Feasibility of biohydrogen production by co-digestion of vinasse (sugarcane stillage) and molasses in an AnSBBR

Author(s)

Roberta Albanez ; Giovanna Lovato ; Suzana Maria Ratusznei ^[3] ; Marcelo Zaiat ^[4] ; José Alberto D. Rodrigues ^[5]

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering; v. 35, n. 1, p. 27-41, 2018-01-00.

Abstract

Abstract This work studied the feasibility of biohydrogen production by co-digestion of vinasse/molasses in an AnSBBR operated with mechanical stirring (30°C and 200 rpm). Hydrogen production by co-digestion of vinasse/sucrose was also studied to verify the performance of the process with a known co-substrate with easy degradation. The effects of influent composition (vinasse/sucrose and vinasse/molasses), influent concentration (3000 and 4000 mgCOD.L-1) and cycle time (3 and 4 h) on performance indicators were evaluated using stability, organic matter removal efficiency, molar hydrogen yield, productivity and biogas composition. The condition with vinasse/molasses in the influent that showed the best results was obtained with a 3-hour cycle time, influent concentration of 3000 mgCOD.L-1 and composition of 33% vinasse and 67% molasses. The molar productivity in this condition was 3.8 molH2.m-3.d-1 with a hydrogen molar fraction of 16% (and a methane molar fraction of 14%). A first order kinetic model was fitted efficiently to the best conditions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/07692-8 - Co-digestion of glycerin and whey in AnSBBR for biohydrogen and biomethane production
• Grantee: Giovanna Lovato
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 09/15984-0 - Bioenergy production from wastewaters and environmental fitting of liquid and solid wastes generated
• Grantee: Marcelo Zaiat
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants