title: Mono fermentation of grass silage by means of loop reactors.
abstract: A loop reactor was operated for mono fermentation of grass silage without manure addition under mesophilic conditions (38 degrees C). An averaged specific biogas production of 0.50 m(N)(3) per kg volatile solids (VS) with a methane concentration of 52% at an organic loading rate of up to 3.5 kg(VS)/(m(3) d) was obtained. The retention time varied from 440 days at 1.0 kg(VS)/(m(3) d) to 50 days at 3.5 kg(VS)/(m(3) d). The degradation level was more than 60% based on VS and 75% based on COD. The first-order hydrolysis rate constant of the process was estimated to be 0.6 d(-1). Despite the relative high ammonium concentration of up to 4 g/l, the system worked stable for an operation period of 310 days. In particular the TS content in the fermenter was found to be a key parameter and should not exceed 12% in order to avoid instabilities.
authors: Institute of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall, 85748 Garching, Germany. wga@bv.tum.de
authors: Konrad
authors: K
authors: Koch
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Wichern
authors: Manfred
authors: M
authors: Lübken
authors: Harald
authors: H
authors: Horn
mesh_terms: D019149:Bioreactors; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002021:Buffers; D005285:Fermentation; D005740:Gases; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007700:Kinetics; D008697:Methane / Q000737:chemistry; D006109:Poaceae / Q000378:metabolism*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D012820:Silage; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D002021:Buffers; D005740:Gases; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D008697:Methane