Today many research engineers are examining the anaerobic digestion process. They are attempting to improve process controls, improve specific digester designs, tailor digester design for specific types of organic wastes, and integrate the process with other waste treatment technology. One of the major problems encountered is the processing and handling of potential digester feed materials. This project introduces the anaerobic digestion process and various associated problems. In addition, this project is an excellent example of how design engineers must deal with many disciplines.
Areas covered include microbiology, chemistry, heat transfer, and fluid behavior just to name a few.
The primary goal of this project is to have students design a simple anaerobic digester and gas collection system. With this system they can then examine various facets of the anaerobic digestion process. Man made sites include dairy wastewater lagoons and landfills. In the wastewater treatment industry, anaerobic digestion has long been used as a means of reducing the amount of organic matter which must be treated. Environmental concerns about the effects of many industry waste streams are resulting in stricter regulations.