1. Management Modeling of High COD Wastes Content of Biosolids for Energy Generation and Effluent Production in an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor.
- Author
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Shamir, Oshrat, Krauss, Nadav, Kalavrouziotis, Ioannis K., and Oron, Gideon
- Abstract
It was recognized that the bio-solids can be treated prior to discarding it into the environment. The bio-solids can be treated primarily for fertilizers and effluent production. Now it was realized that they can be treated putting into use the membrane technology. The Membrane BioReactor (MBR) was firstly reused for wastewater treatment and effluent production primarily for reuse. It was recognized that the MBR can be operated under anaerobic conditions for energy generation. The Anaerobic MBR (AnMBR) is thus an efficient vehicle to generate energy. The energy generated, primarily in the form of Methane gas can be reused for heating the AnMBR (at mesophilic or thermophilic conditions) and the other fraction can be used for operation of external machines. The paper focuses on the food industry wastes [high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) content]. Although some technical details were assumed it was realized that currently the AnMBR is an efficient means to produce energy. According to the economic model if COD is less than 4 g/L it will not be economical to use the methane gas. When the COD is larger than 4 g/L however, less than 8 g/L then the use of methane gas will cover the expenses. The use of methane gas will economic as COD content in the influent will be above 8 g/L. All the economic considerations are subject to the return on gas, which is in the range of 0.04 $/m³ to 0.08 $/m³. The use of this alternative energy source is as well subject to the Time of Use Charge (ToUC) which changes daily and seasonally. The return for energy changes from 10 US Cents per one Kwhr (recession demand during winter) to 30 US Cents per Kwhr (peak demand during summer). The benefits of the methane production are multi-fold: besides the energy it is an excellent tool-box to get rid of the pathogens which allows a better use as soil amendment and safer discarding into the environment. The application of these residuals to agricultural, forests, or disturbed lands can solely or partially provide plant nutrient needs and can improve soil physical and chemical attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017