Modeling and optimization of anaerobic digestion of corn stover on biogas production: Initial pH and carbon to nitrogen ratio

ABSTRACT

Anaerobic digestion is a reliable technology for obtaining biogas from corn stover, and it is significantly affected by the initial pH and carbon to nitrogen ratio. Batch tests were carried out to define the critical factors and determine the cumulative methane yield, and the kinetics of methane production was researched. The results showed that the maximum methane content and yield were obtained under the condition of initial pH 7.5 and carbon to nitrogen ratio of 25. The Gompertz model was suitable for describing the digestion process. The ultimate methane production and corresponding digestion rate could be expressed through the methane production kinetic model.

KEYWORDS:

• Anaerobic digestion
• biogas
• corn stover
• key parameters
• kinetic model
• methane

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Prof. Hanqiao Liu for his support of providing experimental bench.