Anaerobic Biodigester with Recirculation Pump and Porous Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biodigesters face challenges in maximizing biogas production and bacterial cultivation area, leading to suboptimal performance in biogas yield and fertilizer production.
Innovation Solution
The biodigester design incorporates a tank with a manual pump and a porous layer, where organic matter is recirculated from the bottom to the top of the tank, increasing bacterial surface area and movement, thereby enhancing biogas production and fertilizer quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If organic matter is introduced into the tank to increase bacterial cultivation area, then biogas production increases, but the tank volume required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials (porous layer 9) inside the tank to increase the surface area available for bacterial cultivation. The porous structure provides extensive internal surface area within a compact volume, allowing more bacteria to attach and process organic matter, thereby increasing biogas production without proportionally increasing tank volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by implementing vertical recirculation flow from the lower portion to the upper portion of the tank. This vertical movement creates multiple passes of organic matter through the bacterial culture, effectively increasing the contact time and processing capacity within the same tank volume, thereby enhancing biogas production without expanding horizontal footprint.
2Productivity
If a circulation pump is added to recirculate organic matter, then bacterial movement and biogas production increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the recirculation of organic matter is driven by the anaerobic digestion process itself. The biogas production and associated pressure changes, along with the density differences between settled and unsettled organic matter, naturally drive the circulation flow, eliminating the need for external powered pumps or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles where the recirculation of organic matter is achieved through flow dynamics and pressure gradients created during the anaerobic digestion process. The system leverages the natural hydraulic head and pressure differentials generated by biogas accumulation and organic matter settling to drive circulation without mechanical pumping.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lower portion of the tank is closer to the support surface, then stability improves, but installation space requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric tank design where the lower portion is positioned closer to the support surface than the upper portion. This asymmetric configuration provides a lower center of gravity, enhancing tank stability during operation. The design accepts a reduced installation height as a trade-off for improved stability, optimizing the tank's operational reliability in space-constrained environments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration results in increased biogas production, improved bacterial cultivation, and enhanced fertilizer quality, making the biodigester more efficient and effective in producing renewable energy and organic fertilizers.
Implementation Method 1
a manual pump (8) with a pump inlet (8a) connected in the second connection (3), and a pump outlet (8b) connected in the first connection (2) of the tank (1). The pump (8) is configured to recirculate organic matter within the tank (1) from the second connection (3) to the first connection (2)
Implementation Method 2
a porous layer (9) arranged within the tank (1). In particular, organic matter, which can be mixed with water, is introduced into the tank (1). In addition, said organic matter totally or partially covers the porous layer (9) inside the tank (1), allowing the bacteria contained by certain organic matter to increase their cellular concentration, immobilizing on the surface of the porous layer (9) inside the biodigester
Implementation Method 3
Within the system, an anaerobic fermentation process is carried out with the help of microorganisms, with one of its main products being biogas, which contains methane and traces of other gases
Implementation Method 4
allowing the bacteria contained by certain organic matter to increase their cellular concentration, immobilizing on the surface of the porous layer (9) inside the biodigester where the bacteria will be placed
Implementation Method 5
when the pump is activated, it causes the settled organic matter to flow from the bottom of the tank to the upper portion of the tank, thus stimulating the movement of bacteria within said tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an organic matter biodigester comprising a tank that has an organic matter inlet, a first connection arranged in an upper portion of the tank and a second connection arranged in the lower portion of the tank. Furthermore, said tank also has a biogas outlet and a lower surface configured to rest on a support surface. Furthermore, the lower portion of the tank is at a shorter distance from the support surface compared to the upper portion of the tank. Said organic matter biodigester also comprises a manual pump with a pump inlet connected in the second connection, and a pump outlet connected in the first connection of the tank. The pump is configured to recirculate the organic matter inside the tank from the second connection towards the first connection; and a porous layer arranged inside the tank.