Fermentation of Glycerol to Biogas under Isobaric and Variable Pressure Conditions

Author

Benjamin P. Hartenbower

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Hernandez, Rafael A.

Committee Member

French, W. Todd

Committee Member

Elmore, Bill B.

Committee Member

Bricka, R. Mark

Date of Degree

5-11-2013

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Chemical Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering

Abstract

With consideration to the crude glycerol surplus driven by the growth in biodiesel manufacturing, alternative uses for biodiesel derived glycerol have become increasingly essential. Anaerobic digestion of the glycerol reduces the chemical oxygen demand of the glycerol waste product, while capturing biogas as an energy source that can be used on site to reduce heating cost at a biodiesel facility. In this thesis, kinetic parameters are extracted from batch experimental data and applied to steady state equations. A flow sheet for the application of anaerobic digestion to biodiesel derived glycerol is developed and explored. The economic analysis of the scenario tracks the capital cost, operating cost, and savings associated with implementing the system.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/16999

Recommended Citation

Hartenbower, Benjamin P., "Fermentation of Glycerol to Biogas under Isobaric and Variable Pressure Conditions" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 2265.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/2265