A modelling and simulation study of anaerobic digestion in plug-flow reactors

A mathematical model for anaerobic digestion in plug-flow reactors is proposed on the basis of mass balance considerations. The consists a system parabolic partial differential equations variables representing concentrations bio-components constituting waste matrix and takes into account convective diffusive phenomena. reactor modelled as one-dimensional domain; moves direction axis undergoes phenomena which reproduce movement along due to gradient concentration. velocity characterizing convection not fixed priori but it considered an additional unknown problem. variation allows occurring conversion solids. equation governing derived by considering density within constant over time sum volume fractions constrained unity. biochemical transformations catalyzed? microbial species lead production gaseous methane, final product process. Biochemical processes are using simplified scheme used describe dynamics produced methane. finite difference numerical integration. Model consistency showed through simulations investigate effect some operating parameters process performance. then applied real case scenario engineering interest. Simulations produce results good agreement with experimental observations.