Anaerobic Digesters

The Process

Anaerobic digestion is a biological process defined as the breakdown of organic matter by naturally occurring bacteria in the absence of air into biogas and biofertiliser and at a temperature, either in the mesophilic range (35-42°C) or in the thermophilic range (52-55°C).  

An anaerobic digester is a sealed, insulated vessel that is heated and mixed.  

Anaerobic digestion technology may be employed for a variety of reasons which includes;

•  The stabilisation of organic waste

•  The production of renewable energy

•  The recycling of nutrients

Feedstock

There are many feedstocks that can be anaerobically digested.   These include some of the following:

•  Food processing and abattoir waste.

•  Source-separated biowaste.

•  Mechanically-separated municipal waste.

•  Commercial catering waste.

•  Sewage sludge.

•  Animal slurry.

•  Energy crops.

•  Mixtures of the above.