DESIGN AND ECONOMICS OF PLUG-FLOW, SMALL-SCALE ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS FOR TEMPERATE CLIMATES

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion is a manure treatment option that is gaining popularity throughout the world as a result of its multiple environmental and economic benefits. There exists a need for further research to make anaerobic digestion and methane recovery more readily available, cost effective, and manageable to small dairy facilities in the United States. This research analyzes the design and economics of plug flow digesters, modeled after low-cost digesters utilized in the developing world and modified to operate on small to medium-scale farms located in the temperate United States. The objectives of this research are to: 1) Describe the modified design and construction of the research plug flow digesters and analyze the barriers and design challenges to implementing this technology in the United States and 2) Conduct an economic analysis to determine the feasibility of installation and operation of these types of systems in the temperate United States.