Application of Modified Gompertz Model to Study on Biogas production from middle temperature co-digestion of pig manure and dead pigs

Bio-Energy Research Center, Institute of New Rural Development, Tongji University, 201804 Shanghai, China

^* Zhu Hongguang: zhuhg@tongji.edu.cn

Abstract

The dead pig is an organic waste rich in oil and protein, and is an ideal anaerobic digestion raw material. This study based on single factor ANOVA and Modified Gompertz model. It investigated the effects of the ratio of dead pigs on biogas production by middle temperature co-digestion of pig manure and dead pigs. And the biogas production potential was determined. The results showed that there was no significant correlation between the ratio of dead pigs and the biogas production. The ratio would significantly affect the average methane content and degradation rate. When the addition ratio was in the range of 3 to 15%, the biogas production was between 191.39 and 202.44 (L/kg VS). The average contents of methane were 50.67%, 50.35%, 41.83%, 45.53% and 44.57%, respectively. The time required to reach 80% of the biogas production was 28, 34, 36, 65 and 63 days, respectively. The degradation rate of the raw materials was generally decreased with the increase of the addition ratio. The results of Modified Gompertz model fitting showed that the mixed raw materials had a fully anaerobic digestion with high utilization rate and short hysteresis in the range of 0 ~ 9%. Therefore, a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 30 days and the addition ratio was in the range of 0 to 6% could be recommended for a continuous digester. It could get a better gas production and higher raw material utilization.