Abstract

MARTINEZ-GARCIA, Ricardo Adolfo et al. Improving the hydrodynamic performance of a covered lagoon anaerobic digester by CFD. Biotecnia [online]. 2020, vol.22, n.1, pp.56-66.  Epub July 04, 2020. ISSN 1665-1456.  https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v22i1.1125.

Anaerobic digestion of livestock waste has benefits such as reduction of odours and pathogens, production of biogas and biofertilizers. Methane production is influenced, among other factors, by the hydrodynamic performance of the digester. The objective of this research was to construct and validate a numerical model based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), from a prototype of a covered lagoon anaerobic digester. CFD model simulations were performed from reactor characteristics and working fluid properties. To check the agreement of the model, the numerical results were related to experimental data generated by Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) in a scale model of the original digester. With the validated model, four design alternatives were simulated. The results showed greater efficiency of the flow pattern by including recirculation. The reduction in dead space between proposed configurations with respect to the original, ranged from 12.7-19.2%. The best hydrodynamic performance configuration was with recirculation of 2/3 of the feed at the original inlet and the other third at 12 m and at an angle of 90° to the input line.

Keywords : PIV; scale model; dead space; mixing; digestion.

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