Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
complex, converting a variety of input materials into useful biomethane.
Because the biogas process will play such an important role in the future, it
has to become better controlled. Experience learned from AD can then be
spread to other renewable energy or biorefinery facilities. The control of
high complexity feedstocks and process steps is definitely a challenge, but at
the same time it stimulates the research community. Process parameters and
control possibilities are becoming more and more mature all the time.
The problems of many studies concerning AD process control are that
they are often limited to a few indicators. In a highly complex biological
process such as AD, this might send a false message. Moreover, most of the
techniques still require quite intensive and expensive analytical work. Many
of the new on-line monitoring systems first have to be carefully calibrated
and then can only work in very specific conditions. In AD processes, where
the feedstock is very heterogeneous and can change during the year (unless it
is a mono-digestion process), this creates certain challenges. Building a
flexible, stable and low-cost process control system is a difficult task, but is
certainly obtainable.
10.6 Conclusion and future trends
Process control and monitoring are important strategies for achieving
higher efficiency in the anaerobic digestion process. In order to have proper
process control, continuous or semi-continuous process monitoring is
necessary. One should not forget the challenging issue of correct sampling,
especially in such a heterogeneous environment as anaerobic digestion.
More and more technologies and new strategies are becoming available to
support biogas production. The future trend is to maximise simplification of
the required procedures and make available on-line monitoring with early
warning strategies to help avoid significant process disturbance. The aim is
to move the process efficiently towards its theoretical maximum, improve
and stabilise biogas economy and avoid the risk of financial failure of biogas
projects.
￿ ￿ ￿ ￿ ￿ ￿
10.7 Sources of further information and advice
Ahring B K (ed.) (2003) Biomethanation, Volumes I & II. Springer, Berlin.
AL Seadi T (ed.). (2009): Biogas Handbook. University of Southern Denmark,
Esbjerg.
Bakeev K (ed.) (2010) Process Analytical Technology, 2nd edn. Wiley, Chichester.
Esbensen K H (2004) Multivariate Date Analysis - In Practice. CAMO Software,
Olso.
Gy P (1998) Sampling for Analytical Purposes. Wiley, Chichester.
International Energy Agency (2009) IEA Task 37: Energy from Biogas and
Landfillgas. Anaerobic Digestion - An Overview. < www.iea-biogas.net >
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