Heat and mass transfer in unsaturated porous media: Moisture effects in compost piles self-heating

A mathematical model relating heat and mass transfer in compost pile disposal in field is presented. The unsteady non linear mathematical diffusion model is solved through the finite volume method. The volumetric heat generation caused by the action of aerobic bacteria and by oxidation of cellulose...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of heat and mass transfer 2011-06, Vol.54 (13), p.2801-2810
Main Authors: Zambra, C.E., Moraga, N.O., Escudey, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions
Bacteria
Biological and medical sciences
Combustion
Compost pile
Composting
Finite volume simulation
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General agronomy. Plant production
Heat and mass transfer diffusion
Mass transfer
Mathematical models
Moisture
Moisture effects
Other nutrients. Amendments. Solid and liquid wastes. Sludges and slurries
Piles
Porous media
Self-heating
Sewage sludge temperature
Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility. Fertilization. Amendments
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Summary:A mathematical model relating heat and mass transfer in compost pile disposal in field is presented. The unsteady non linear mathematical diffusion model is solved through the finite volume method. The volumetric heat generation caused by the action of aerobic bacteria and by oxidation of cellulose in a porous media is incorporated as a function of the means moisture by a source term. Field studies in compost pile exposed to atmospheric conditions were made trying to reproduce the conditions in which self–heating and combustion may take place. Inside a compost pile made of solid residues obtained after municipal waste water treatment, temperature changes, oxygen contents and moisture were measured in time and depth. The mathematical model and numerical simulations in two dimensions, describe the internal changes of heat, oxygen and moisture observed in fields conditions and with this quantify the effects of the moisture in the temperature and oxygen concentration.
ISSN:0017-9310
1879-2189
DOI:10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2011.01.031