Simulation on long-term operation of an anaerobic bioreactor for Korean food wastes

Abstract

A mathematical model was formulated to simulate the long-term performance of an anaerobic bioreactor designed to digest Korean food wastes. The system variables of various decomposition steps were built into the model, which predicts the temporal characters of solid waste, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) in the reactor, and gas production in response to various input loadings and temperatures. The predicted values of VFA and gas production were found to be in good agreement with experimental observations in batch and repeated-input systems. Finally, long-term reactor performance was simulated with respect to the seasonal temperature changes from 5degreesC in winter to 25degreesC in summer at different food waste input loadings. The simulation results provided us with information concerning the success or failure of a process during long-term operation.