Patent ID: 7615155
Filing Date: 2009-11-10
Classification: B09B,C02F,C12M,Y02E,Y02W

Abstract:
1. A method for continuous, steady-state operation of an anaerobic reactor for digesting biodegradable matter containing an amount of solid, non-digestible matter, the method comprising: providing an upflow anaerobic digester for anaerobically digesting biodegradable matter using a bacterial culture, the upflow anaerobic digester comprising: providing a bacterial culture comprising a sludge layer in the lower portion of the vessel; introducing an influent into the lower portion of the vessel, wherein the influent comprises a biodegradable component, a liquid component, and an amount of solid non-digestible matter; operating the upflow anaerobic digester in a steady-state, wherein the biodegradable component is continuously available to the bacterial culture as a food source; accumulating the solid, non-digestible matter below the sludge layer in the bottom of the vessel; and flushing at least a portion of the accumulated solid, non-digestible matter from the upflow anaerobic digester through the second outlet as a slurry that includes a liquid component, wherein the portion of the accumulated solid, non-digestible matter removed as a slurry does not exceed 30% of the volume of the vessel, so as to maintain the upflow anaerobic digester in the steady-state.