Method and apparatus for anaerobic digestion of biomasses and generation of biogas

Abstract

Method and apparatus for an anaerobic digestion of biomasses with generation of biogas and sludge, wherein a hydrolyzation phase and a following fermentation of the biomass are included, wherein a hydrolyzation phase ( 5 ) and at least two following fermentation phases ( 7,8,9 ) are included and wherein the hydrolyzation ( 5 ) as well as the following fermentations ( 7,8,9 ) are performed in separate containers with specific measurement and control of the temperature, of the mixing degree, of the pH value and of the pressure.

1 . Method for the anaerobic digestion of biomasses with the generation of biogas and sludge, which method includes a hydrolyzation phase and of following fragmentation of the biomass, wherein the method comprises a hydrolyzation phase ( 5 ) of the biomass and at least two following fermentation phases ( 7 , 8 , 9 ) and wherein, be it the hydrolyzation ( 5 ) as well as the following fermentations ( 7 , 8 , 9 ) are performed in separate containers under specific measurement and control of temperature, of intermixing, of the pH value and of the pressure.  
     
     
         2 . Method according to  claim 1  wherein the hydrolyzation phase ( 5 ) of the biomass is performed at a temperature between 40 degrees centigrade and 100 degrees centigrade, wherein this is followed by a pre-heating phase ( 4 ) of the substrate with a heat exchanger ( 4   a ) and/or by way of injection of water vapor (V), and wherein a cooling phase ( 6 ) follows to the hydrolyzation phase.  
     
     
         3 . Method according to  claim 1  wherein a controlled feeding in is performed of sludges (Fe) containing acid enzymes and generated at the end of the method during the hydrolyzation phase ( 5 ) of the biomass and/or in one or in several fermentation phases ( 7 , 8 , 9 ).  
     
     
         4 . Method according to  claim 1  wherein at least one fermentation phase ( 8 , 9 ) is furnished under the subjection with specific methanogenus bacteria after the fermentation ( 7 ) which is performed by acid forming enzymes, wherein the specific methanogenus bacteria possibly can be present in the various fermenting machines of different type, wherein specific conditions relating to temperature, pH value, intermixing and pressure prevail in the various fermenting machines.  
     
     
         5 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the sludges (F) occuring at the discharge outlets of the last fermentation machine ( 9 ) are thickened in a hydro cyclone ( 10 ) or by way of a centrifuge, under separation of the residual liquid (A).  
     
     
         6 . Method according to  claim 1  wherein the heat, which is led away during the cooling ( 6 ), is employed in one or in several phases ( 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 ) of the method itself or in another connected process for a pre-heating or heating.  
     
     
         7 . Method according to  claim 1  wherein the biogas (B) produced during the different fermentation phases ( 7 , 8 , 9 ) is withdrawn under controlled conditions from each of the individual fermentation machines.  
     
     
         8 . Method according to  claim 1  wherein a hydrolysator ( 5 ) is furnished for the anaerobic digestion of the substrate, wherein the hydrolysator ( 5 ) is connected in series to at least two fermenting machines ( 7 , 8 , 9 ) and wherein, be the hydrolysator ( 5 ) as well as also the fermenting machines are equipped with heat exchanger ( 5   a ), with mechanical, hydraulic, or gas mixers ( 5   b ) and the sensors or detectors for the determination of the values relating to temperature, the pH value, the pressure, the degree of mixing, and wherein the heat exchanger ( 5   a ), the mixer ( 5   b ), the withdrawal of biogas and the introduction of the fed back sludges (Fe) are operated depending on the recited determined values and of the specific requirements of the flora of bacteria operating in the hydrolysator ( 5 ) and in the different fermenting machines ( 7 , 8 , 9 ).  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein prior to the hydrolysis ( 5 ) there is furnished a preheater ( 4 ) with the exchanger ( 4   a ) and a device for the injection ( 4   b ) of water vapor prior to the exchanger ( 4   a ), after the heat exchanger ( 4   a ), or in an intermediate position.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein a heat exchanger ( 6 ) is furnished after the hydrolysator ( 5 ) for cooling of the substrate.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein a controlled feedback (Fe) of the sludges, which sludges are separated at the end of the apparatus, is performed by introduction into the hydrolysator ( 5 ) and/or into one or into several fermentation machines ( 7 , 8 , 9 ).