Anaerobic Digesters: Methanogen

Methanogen refers to an anaerobic process in which the electron equivalents in organic matter (BOD_L) are used to reduce carbon to its most reduced oxidation state, -4 in CH₄, or methane. Methane is a poorly soluble gas that evolves from water. Thus, the BOD_L is removed from the water by directing electron equivalents to CH₄, a result that we can call waste stabilization.  Each mole of CH₄ contains 8 electron equivalent, or 64 g of BOD_L or COD. At standard temperature and pressure (i.e., STP = 0 ⁰C and 1 atm), each mole of CH₄ has a volume of 22.41 liters. Thus, each g of BOD_L stabilized generates 0.351 of CH₄ gas at STP.

The application of anaerobic digestion expanded very slowly before 1972, but the situation has changed dramatically in recent years. Interest in utilizing methane produced by this method has increased. Capital required for building a digester has significantly decreased because of new designs and new building materials now used. New processes for the treatment of soluble wastes have been developed which have shortened the Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT). Thus, the anaerobic process can compete with the aerobic process, especially where the problem of energy shortage is crucial.

Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in biotechnologies, as well as the more common areas like bio and renewable fuels, biomass and biomass power, feedstocks, biomaterials, and biochemicals.  These larger groups will also have expertise in other technologies like agitation systems, anaerobic digestion, beverage fermentation, bio-oil extraction, bioreactors, carbon capture, carbon storage, carbonization, catalysis, cellulosic ethanol, cleantech, combined heat and power, direct combustion, enzyme technologies, fermentation, Fischer-Tropsch, gasification, genetic engineering, hydrothermal,  nanotechnology, organosynthesis, power generation, pyrolysis, renewable technology due diligence, synthetic biology, thermochemical conversion, torrefaction, water treatment, and waste management.

Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC) offers a wide range of services in biofuels, biochemicals, biotechnologies, biomaterials, synthetic biology commercialization, feedstocks, and more.    Look at our experts and the services we provide.  Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters.  For the larger projects, we specialize in putting together full service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact.  See video about LEC here.  Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.  See also:  Anaerobic Digestion:  Maximizing Output Without Affecting Operations.