Name
Flash aeration trials: what worked, what didn't, and what's next.
Description
As part of Severn Trent’s commitment to achieving compliance with the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), developing methods to reduce emissions from digestate has been critical. This study evaluates the effectiveness of aeration to eliminate biogas emissions from digestate storage prior to dewatering. Digestate samples were taken from a variety of sludge treatment processes, including conventional mesophilic anaerobic digestion, acid phase digestion, and thermal hydrolysis.
Batch tests were used to determine the residual biogas potential (RBP) of the aerated samples, alongside non-aerated controls. Varying aeration conditions were used to determine the optimum environment needed to achieve a positive oxygen-reduction potential (ORP).
Results showed that aeration consistently reduced the RBP across all samples. However, testing also highlighted key operational considerations for full-scale implementation. Foaming was observed during aeration, indicating the need for precise process control strategies. In addition, variations in digester operation influenced the aeration demand required to achieve positive redox conditions. This study outlines how Severn Trent will look to manage our post digestion methane emissions and the challenges of implementing in an operational environment.
Authors
Ellie Singh, Severn Trent Water, UK