Booster Composition for Biomethanation Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Anaerobic digestion processes in biomethanation plants are destabilized by factors like irregular solid loading, feed composition changes, contaminants, temperature, and pH fluctuations, leading to reduced biogas yield and inconsistent production, with existing solutions failing to address these disturbances effectively.

Innovation Solution

A booster composition comprising controlled release agents, redox potential balancers, direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) improvers, micronutrient balancers, and co-factors, including aluminium silicate, charcoal, iron oxide nanoparticles, and specific micronutrients, is introduced to stabilize biomethanation plant operations and enhance biogas yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If trace element compositions are added to substrates for anaerobic biogas fermentation, then methane yield is improved, but heavy sulphide precipitation occurs causing the fermentation residue to exceed permitted metal concentration for fertilizer use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemethane yieldVSAvoidheavy sulphide precipitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical form of trace elements from traditional sulfate/chloride salts to organic complex forms (EDTA, DTPA, HEDTA complexes). This parameter change in chemical formulation prevents sulphide precipitation while maintaining trace element bioavailability for methane production, resolving the contradiction between improved methane yield and harmful sulphide precipitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces organic complexing agents (EDTA, DTPA, HEDTA) as intermediary substances that bind trace elements in soluble, bioavailable forms. These intermediaries prevent direct reaction between trace metals and sulphide, eliminating harmful precipitation while enabling trace element utilization for enhanced methane yield

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system is disturbed by shock conditions or irregular loading, then biogas production becomes inconsistent and plant performance destabilizes, but the system takes 2-4 weeks to recover requiring re-inoculation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiogas production consistencyVSAvoidrecovery time after disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding a booster composition containing trace elements and complexing agents before and during disturbance events. This preventive measure maintains microbial population health and metabolic activity, enabling the system to withstand shock conditions without requiring 2-4 week recovery periods or re-inoculation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The booster composition acts as a cushioning agent that protects the microbial community from the full impact of disturbance events. By providing essential trace elements and stabilizing agents in advance, the system is buffered against shock conditions, maintaining consistent biogas production and eliminating the need for lengthy recovery periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The booster composition significantly stabilizes biomethanation plant operations, enhances biogas yield, and facilitates faster recovery from disturbances, maintaining consistent gas production without affecting manure quality, and is effective even under shock conditions.

Implementation Method 1

controlled release agents; a) controlled release agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled release:

Implementation Method 2

redox potential balancers; b) redox potential balancers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox potential balancing: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) improvers; c) direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) improvers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirect interspecies electron transfer:

Implementation Method 4

micronutrient balancers; d) micronutrient balancers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicronutrient supplementation:

Implementation Method 5

Co-factors; e) Co-factors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCo-factor catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 6

Anaerobic digestion is a series of biological processes in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen inside the digester

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnaerobic digestion: Anaerobic Digestion

Implementation Method 7

The digestion process begins with bacterial hydrolysis of the input materials like insoluble organic polymers such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, etc.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11773413B2Booster composition to improve biogas yield and to stabilize the digester performance

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 INDIAN OIL CORP LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a booster composition for enhancing the biogas yield and stabilizing the operation of a biomethanation plant, a method for the preparation of said booster composition and a method for enhancing the biogas yield and stabilizing the operation of a biomethanation plant using said composition by ameliorating the effect of shock conditions like pH and temperature. The booster composition comprises of specifically defined constituents selected from controlled release agents, redox potential balancers, direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) improvers, micronutrient balancers, and Co-factors.