Bioreactor Process Water Recirculation for Waste Liquefaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste processing methods, such as incineration and landfill, do not optimally utilize the energy stored in organic waste, and existing bioreactor systems do not effectively recirculate process water from downstream anaerobic digestion processes back into the bioreactor for enzymatic and microbial treatment of municipal solid waste.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the recirculation of process water from downstream processes, including bioliquids and reject water, into the bioreactor for enzymatic and microbial treatment of waste, reducing the need for external water sources and optimizing pH conditions for continuous or batch processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If process water from downstream processes is recirculated into the bioreactor, then water consumption is reduced and process efficiency is enhanced, but pH control becomes more challenging due to variable composition of recirculated water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pH monitoring and control systems that continuously measure the pH of recirculated process water and adjust the treatment process accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal pH conditions despite the variable composition of recirculated water from different downstream processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts pH as a controllable parameter to optimize the enzymatic and microbial treatment processes. By dynamically modifying pH levels based on the specific composition of recirculated water, the system maintains optimal conditions for bioliquid production while accommodating variations in recirculated stream characteristics.
2Device complexity
If recirculated process water is used without pH adjustment, then operational complexity is reduced, but enzymatic and microbial activity may be inhibited due to suboptimal pH conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs naturally occurring buffering capacity of the waste substrate and biological communities to self-regulate pH within acceptable ranges. The microbial consortia and enzymatic systems inherently tolerate and adapt to pH fluctuations, reducing the need for external pH adjustment while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pH adjustment only when necessary, rather than continuously. By monitoring key parameters and applying corrections only when pH deviates beyond critical thresholds, the system balances operational simplicity with maintaining reliable enzymatic and microbial activity.
3Quantity of substance
If external water sources are used instead of recirculated process water, then pH control is simplified, but water consumption increases and process sustainability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses process water from downstream anaerobic digestion and other treatment processes, transforming what would be waste streams into valuable resources. This circular water management approach reduces freshwater consumption while the recovered water is integrated back into the enzymatic hydrolysis process after appropriate treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculated process water serves multiple functions: it provides process water for enzymatic treatment, maintains moisture content in the bioreactor, and contributes to the overall water balance of the integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate water management systems.
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 approach enhances the efficiency of enzymatic and microbial liquefaction processes, reduces water consumption, and maintains optimal pH conditions for bioliquid production, leading to improved energy recovery from waste.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting waste to an enzymatic and/or microbial treatment in a bioreactor
Implementation Method 2
enzymatic degradation and/or microbial fermentation producing a bioliquid
Implementation Method 3
enzymatic degradation and/or microbial fermentation producing a bioliquid
Implementation Method 4
adding the process water obtained from step c) and optionally water from an external water source to the bioreactor in step a)... maintains optimal pH conditions for bioliquid production
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for continuous or batch processing of waste, such as municipal solid waste, subject to enzymatic and/or microbial degradation in a bioreactor resulting in a bioliquid and a solid fraction, which method comprises recirculation of process water obtained from downstream processing of said bioliquid and/or solid fraction. Water from external sources may also be added to the reactor in addition to the recirculation of process water.