title: Start-up of a multi-stage system for biogas production and solid waste treatment in low-tech countries.
abstract: Vegetable fruit garden wastes were treated anaerobically using a multistage Dranco system. The digesters were composed of three 50 L vessels kept in mesophilic conditions. They were operating at 14.5-17% TS. By controlling the pH in the system, the start-up for biogas production was shortened to 60 days. The pH correction was a buffering which enhanced methanogenic activity in the digesters. With a loading rate of 4.1 kg VS/m3 reactor/day, the production of biogas was 5 m3/m3 reactor/ day, and 60-70% methane content. This allowed making a multisystem by starting every 3 weeks with new vessels in order to maintain biogas production, to be used in industries or in local communities in low-tech countries. The designed model was started in Kinshasa (Congo) where a project is expected to treat one ton of solid waste on a daily basis, for a production of 100 m3 biogas. This cost effectiveness of the system is demonstrated and presents the opportunity for biowaste treatment coupled with environmental protection and substantial energy recovery.
authors.affiliation: VLICO Project, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 254, Kinshasa XI, Congo. ebieym@hotmail.com
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Biey
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Musibono
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Verstraete
mesh_terms: D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic; D019149:Bioreactors; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003906:Developing Countries; D005638:Fruit; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008697:Methane / Q000032:analysis; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D008697:Methane