RESEARCH ON THE PROPERTIES OF RAW MATERIALS USED IN BIOGAS POWER PLANTS

Abstract

This research investigates the anaerobic digestion efficiency of various substrates - glucose syrup residues, cattle manure, and sugar beet silage - aiming to optimize biogas generation processes. The study employed the batch test method and kinetic GFL analysis to identify four characteristic fermentation phases. The results revealed significant kinetic differences: sugar beet silage exhibited the highest energetic potential (175 - 180 L/kg) and the most rapid methanogenesis, reaching peak production by the second day. In contrast, the yields from cattle manure and glucose syrup residues were approximately three times lower (60 - 65 L/kg) with stabilization occurring between days 18 and 20. It was determined that the biomass degradation rate directly correlates with the concentration of readily accessible organic matter in the substrate. The findings suggest that the technically justified hydraulic retention time (HRT) for sugar beet silage can be reduced to 15 days, while a duration of 18 - 20 days is recommended for the other substrates to ensure maximum volumetric reactor efficiency and economic viability.