Dynamic modeling of mesophilic anaerobic digestion of animal waste

A mathematical model with time-varying parameters was developed to describe the dynamic behavior of the anaerobic mesophilic digestion of animal waste. Batch and continuous cases were considered. In the case of continuous process linearized models were proposed. Special emphasis was given to the parameters identification. Using sensitivity analysis and optimization software a simple methodology was developed. The model verification and validation were made with different sets of laboratory experimental data. Simulated results were in good agreement with experimental data under different operating strategies. The model proposed in this paper (with its linearized and with reduced order modifications) can be used for process control. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.