Application of hydrolytic enzymes for improving biogas feedstock fluidity

Authors

  • Matthias Ploechl BioenergieBeratungBornim GmbH
  • Annika Hilse Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim
  • Monika Heiermann Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim
  • Teresa Suarez Quinones Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim
  • Jörn Budde Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim
  • Annette Prochnow Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim

Abstract

The composition of feedstock for biogas plants has changed during recent years. There has been an increase in the share of energy crops and residue from agriculture. As a consequence the contents of digesters are less fluid and hence, the effort for mixing has increased. Applying enzymes seems to be a promising way of improving fluidity. In this study the effects of enzyme application were investigated for a set of materials – grass silage, feed residue, maize silage, and rough-ground rye as feedstock for anaerobic digestion. After enzyme application these materials were mixed with cattle slurry and the probable effect was assessed with three different apparatus – fluidmeter, rotation rheometer, and torquemeter. The instruments proved applicable, in general, whereas grass silage could only be measured with the torquemeter. Fluidity of untreated material increased in the following row: grass silage

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Published

2010-01-11

Issue

Section

IV-Energy in Agriculture