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COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF MESOPHILIC AND THERMOPHILIC ANAEROBIC DIGESTION. PHASE 2. STEADY STATE STUDIES
Citation:
Kugelman, I. AND V. Guida. COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF MESOPHILIC AND THERMOPHILIC ANAEROBIC DIGESTION. PHASE 2. STEADY STATE STUDIES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-89/011B.
Description:
A study was conducted of the relative performance of anaerobic digestion systems under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. Fifty liter laboratory scale digesters were fed primary sludge from the Allentown, PA Waste Water Treatment Plant. Long-term, steady-state performance data were obtained at 49.5 deg C and 35 deg C. Two hydraulic detention times, 25 days and 15 days, were used. Operation of the mesophilic and thermophilic units was within parameter ranges normally considered satisfactory. Mesophilic operation was superior to thermophilic operation total and volatile solids breakdown, gas production, and breakdown of carbohydrate, oil, and grease. Thermophilic breakdown of organic nitrogen was superior. Dewaterability of sludge produced under mesophilic conditions also was better than under thermophilic conditions.