Description:Brief Description of the Drawings

Generally, the present disclosure relates to waste management systems. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for converting food waste into biogas.
Background
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In the realm of renewable energy sources, biogas stands out as a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. This recognition has led to increased attention towards the development of efficient biogas production systems. Such systems often focus on the conversion of organic waste materials, such as food waste, into biogas. The process not only contributes to energy generation but also plays a significant role in waste management.
The conventional systems for biogas production typically encompass various stages including waste collection, size reduction, pre-treatment, digestion, and biogas recovery. Initial stages involve the mechanical reduction of the size of food waste, which is crucial for enhancing the surface area available for microbial action during digestion. Subsequently, pre-treatment processes aim to optimize the waste for anaerobic digestion, often involving the addition of additives to improve the efficiency of biogas production.
Despite the advancements in this field, certain challenges persist. For instance, the effectiveness of size reduction techniques varies significantly, affecting the overall efficiency of biogas production. Additionally, the homogeneous mixing of additives in the pre-treatment stage remains a complex task, directly influencing the digestion process and the quality of biogas generated. Furthermore, the design and integration of anaerobic biodigesters and biogas recovery units often encounter difficulties in achieving optimal gas separation and storage, impacting the utility and viability of the produced biogas.
Another crucial aspect that requires attention is the environmental impact of the additives used in the pre-treatment process. The selection of biochar, copper, and nickel as additives involves careful consideration of their concentrations to prevent adverse environmental effects. Moreover, the hermetic sealing of biodigesters is essential not only for preventing gas leaks but also for maintaining anaerobic conditions necessary for efficient digestion.
Given these challenges, it becomes evident that existing biogas production systems, despite their capabilities, encounter limitations that can hinder their performance and sustainability. These limitations encompass difficulties in achieving effective size reduction of food waste, challenges in the homogeneous mixing of additives, and issues related to the design and operation of anaerobic biodigesters and biogas recovery units.
In light of the above discussion, there exists an urgent need for solutions that overcome the problems associated with conventional systems and techniques for converting food waste into biogas.
Summary
The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects of this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a biogas production system for converting food waste into biogas. The system includes a food waste input hopper configured to receive and direct food waste, a grinding and milling apparatus mechanically connected to the input hopper. This apparatus comprises a series of cutting blades and hammers for size reduction of the food waste. A conveyance mechanism is operatively linked to the grinding and milling apparatus for transporting the milled food waste to a pre-treatment mixer. The pre-treatment mixer is equipped with a chemical additive dispenser for homogeneous mixing of biochar, copper, and nickel additives in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L. An anaerobic biodigester tank is provided where the pre-treated food waste undergoes digestion. The tank is hermetically sealed and connected to a biogas recovery unit. The biogas recovery unit includes a gas separation unit and a storage facility for the collection and containment of produced biogas.
Furthermore, the anaerobic biodigester tank includes temperature control systems to maintain the optimal temperature for methanogenic bacteria activity. A biogas purification unit is added to separate methane from other gases. The anaerobic biodigester tank features a dual-layered wall, comprising an inner thermally conductive layer and an outer insulation layer, and is associated with an agitator to release produced biogas from pre-treated food waste. A pH monitoring and adjustment unit is incorporated to maintain an optimal pH level for anaerobic digestion. The biodigester is equipped with a feed unit for the continuous supply of pre-treated food waste and a discharge unit for the discharge of the fermented food waste. The biogas recovery unit comprises filters to remove hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and other impurities.
Additionally, the present disclosure provides a method for producing biogas from food waste. This method involves grinding and milling the food waste to reduce particle size and increase specific surface area, pre-treating the milled food waste with a chemical additive to enhance methane accumulation during anaerobic digestion, and digesting the pre-treated food waste in an anaerobic biodigester to produce biogas. The chemical additive is selected from biochar, and copper and nickel in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L to stimulate methanogenic activity.

Field of the Invention

The features and advantages of the present disclosure would be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a biogas production system (100) configured for converting food waste into biogas, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a method (200) for producing biogas from food waste, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates a laboratory-scale biodigester setup comprising a round bottom flask seated on a heating mantle, with a glass gas collection canister connected via a sampling point, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates a larger scale biodigester designed to handle a greater volume of organic material, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates graphical illustration of methane production from fruit waste (FrW) only, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates graphical illustration of methane production from food waste (FdW) as a feedstock, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates chart for methane production from a combination of food and fruit waste (FrW+FdW) is presented, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates the impact of additives to fruit waste (FrW+Adt) influences methane yield, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 illustrates the methane output for food waste with additives (FdW+Adt), in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 illustrates methane production curve for the combination of food waste, fruit waste, and additives (FdW+FrW+Adt), in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 illustrates the efficiency of methane production from food waste with additives (FdW+Adt) in a scaled-up 25-liter digester, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 illustrates a comparative methane yield analysis for food waste with and without additives, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to claim those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Pursuant to the "Detailed Description" section herein, whenever an element is explicitly associated with a specific numeral for the first time, such association shall be deemed consistent and applicable throughout the entirety of the "Detailed Description" section, unless otherwise expressly stated or contradicted by the context.
The term “biogas production system” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a system specifically designed for converting food waste into biogas. The system comprises a series of components, each tailored to process the waste through different stages until biogas is produced.
The term “food waste input hopper” as used throughout the present disclosure refers to a component configured to receive and direct food waste into the system. The food waste input hopper ensures that the waste is properly fed into the system for processing.
The term “grinding and milling apparatus” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a mechanical device that is connected to the food waste input hopper. This apparatus comprises a series of cutting blades and hammers designed for the size reduction of food waste, thereby preparing it for further processing.
The term “conveyance mechanism” as used throughout the present disclosure denotes a system operatively linked to the grinding and milling apparatus. Its function is to transport the milled food waste to a pre-treatment mixer, facilitating the smooth flow of materials through the system.
The term “pre-treatment mixer” as used throughout the present disclosure refers to a component equipped with a chemical additive dispenser. This mixer is responsible for the homogeneous mixing of biochar, copper, and nickel additives in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L. Such mixing enhances the efficiency of the subsequent anaerobic digestion process.
The term “anaerobic biodigester tank” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a hermetically sealed tank where the pre-treated food waste undergoes digestion. This tank is crucial for the conversion of food waste into biogas, ensuring that the process occurs under anaerobic conditions.
The term “biogas recovery unit” as used throughout the present disclosure denotes a unit comprising a gas separation unit and a storage facility. This unit is responsible for the collection and containment of produced biogas, ensuring its availability for further use or processing.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a biogas production system (100) configured for converting food waste into biogas, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Said system (100) includes a food waste input hopper (102) configured to receive and direct food waste into the system. Mechanically connected to said input hopper (102) is a grinding and milling apparatus (104). Said apparatus (104) includes a series of cutting blades and hammers for the reduction in size of the food waste, which is essential for increasing the surface area available for microbial digestion. Further included in the system (100) is a conveyance mechanism (106) operatively linked to the grinding and milling apparatus (104). Said mechanism (106) facilitates the transportation of the milled food waste to a pre-treatment mixer (108). Said pre-treatment mixer (108) is equipped with a chemical additive dispenser. The function of such dispenser is to ensure the homogeneous mixing of biochar, copper, and nickel additives within a concentration range between 0.5–1 mg/L. This feature enhances the methanogenic activity during the digestion process. At the core of the system (100) lies an anaerobic biodigester tank (110), where the pre-treated food waste is subjected to digestion. Said tank (110) is hermetically sealed to create an anaerobic environment conducive to biogas production. Connected to said biodigester tank (110) is a biogas recovery unit (112). Said recovery unit (112) includes a gas separation unit alongside a storage facility. These components of the recovery unit (112) are responsible for the collection and containment of the biogas produced within the system (100).
In an embodiment, the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) includes temperature control systems to maintain the optimal temperature for methanogenic bacteria activity. The inclusion of temperature control systems in the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) is essential for ensuring the optimal conditions necessary for the activity of methanogenic bacteria. These bacteria play a critical role in the anaerobic digestion process, converting organic materials into methane. The efficiency of this conversion process is highly dependent on the temperature within the biodigester tank. The temperature control systems enable the maintenance of a stable environment, preventing fluctuations that could inhibit bacterial activity and, consequently, biogas production. By providing a consistent temperature, the system ensures that the digestion process is efficient, leading to an enhanced yield of biogas. This feature not only improves the overall efficiency of the biogas production system but also contributes to the predictability and reliability of biogas output. Moreover, the ability to control temperature allows the system to adapt to varying types of food waste and environmental conditions, further enhancing its utility and effectiveness in producing biogas.
In another embodiment, the system (100) further comprises a biogas purification unit to separate methane from other gases. The integration of a biogas purification unit into the biogas production system (100) is pivotal for enhancing the quality of the biogas produced. This unit is designed to separate methane, the primary component of biogas, from other gases that are produced during the anaerobic digestion process. By removing impurities and non-methane gases, the biogas purification unit ensures that the biogas is of high purity and quality, making it more suitable for a variety of applications, including energy production and heating. This purification process not only increases the utility of the produced biogas but also contributes to environmental sustainability by ensuring that the gas released or utilized is cleaner and has higher energy content. The inclusion of the biogas purification unit thus significantly enhances the efficiency and environmental friendliness of the biogas production system.
In yet another embodiment, the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) is constructed with a dual-layered wall, comprising an inner thermally conductive layer and an outer insulation layer. The construction of the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) with a dual-layered wall is a strategic design choice that enhances the functionality and efficiency of the biogas production system. The inner thermally conductive layer facilitates the efficient transfer of heat within the tank, ensuring that the temperature is evenly distributed. This is crucial for maintaining the optimal conditions for the methanogenic bacteria to thrive and carry out the digestion process effectively. The outer insulation layer plays a vital role in minimizing heat loss, maintaining the internal temperature of the tank regardless of external environmental conditions. This insulation is particularly important in cooler climates, where maintaining the optimal temperature for anaerobic digestion can be challenging. Together, these layers ensure that the biodigester operates efficiently, maximizing biogas production while minimizing energy consumption for heating or cooling.
In a further embodiment, the system (100) further comprises a pH monitoring and adjustment unit to maintain an optimal pH level for anaerobic digestion. The inclusion of a pH monitoring and adjustment unit in the biogas production system (100) is critical for ensuring the optimal conditions for the anaerobic digestion process. The pH level within the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) significantly influences the activity of the methanogenic bacteria responsible for biogas production. If the pH level deviates from the optimal range, it can inhibit bacterial activity, thereby reducing the efficiency of biogas production. The pH monitoring unit continuously assesses the pH level within the tank, while the adjustment unit makes necessary corrections to maintain the pH within the optimal range. This proactive management of the pH level ensures that the anaerobic digestion process is sustained at its highest efficiency, leading to consistent and maximized biogas production. This embodiment not only enhances the performance of the biogas production system but also contributes to its reliability and predictability in biogas output.
In an embodiment, the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) incorporates an agitator designed specifically to release produced biogas from the pre-treated food waste contained within the anaerobic biodigester chamber. This embodiment addresses a common challenge in biogas production systems, where the accumulation of biogas within the digestion material can impede further production and processing efficiency. The agitator facilitates the continuous release of biogas, ensuring that it does not become trapped within the waste material, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the digestion process. This mechanism not only optimizes the production of biogas but also contributes to the maintenance of optimal conditions within the biodigester tank (110), promoting a more consistent and effective anaerobic digestion process. The introduction of an agitator into the biodigester tank represents a strategic improvement that significantly increases the system's capacity to convert food waste into biogas efficiently.
In another embodiment, the biogas production system (100) involves the biodigester being outfitted with a feed unit for the continuous supply of pre-treated food waste and a discharge unit to discharge the fermented food waste. This feature ensures a seamless and efficient flow of materials throughout the biogas production process. The continuous feed unit allows for a steady and controlled addition of pre-treated food waste into the anaerobic biodigester tank (110), maintaining a constant supply of substrate for the digestion process. Simultaneously, the discharge unit effectively removes the digested material, preventing any accumulation that could hinder the system's performance. This continuous process not only maximizes the throughput of the biogas production system but also enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the biogas production by ensuring that the anaerobic biodigester operates under optimal conditions for methane production.
In yet another embodiment, the biogas recovery unit (112) within the system (100) incorporates filters specifically designed to remove hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and other impurities from the produced biogas. Hydrogen sulphide, a common byproduct of anaerobic digestion, can be corrosive and harmful if not properly managed. By integrating filters capable of removing H2S and other impurities, the system significantly improves the quality of the biogas produced, making it safer and more suitable for a variety of uses, including as a fuel source for energy production. This feature underscores the system's commitment to environmental sustainability and operational safety, providing a cleaner and more efficient biogas product that meets the demands of modern energy consumption while mitigating the negative impacts associated with impurities in biogas.
FIG. 2 illustrates a method (200) for producing biogas from food waste, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The method (200) for producing biogas from food waste encompasses a comprehensive process that begins with step (202) grinding and milling the food waste to reduce its particle size and increase the specific surface area. This mechanical preprocessing step is crucial as it enhances the accessibility of the organic material to microbial digestion, facilitating a more efficient breakdown during the anaerobic digestion phase. Following this, in step (204), the milled food waste undergoes a pre-treatment process where it is mixed with a chemical additive chosen from biochar, copper, and nickel in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L. This addition of specific chemical additives is aimed at stimulating the activity of methanogenic bacteria, thereby enhancing methane accumulation during the anaerobic digestion process. In step (206) involves digesting the pre-treated food waste in an anaerobic biodigester to produce biogas. This methodological approach to biogas production from food waste highlights the integration of mechanical and chemical enhancements to optimize methane production, showcasing a comprehensive and efficient process for converting waste into valuable energy resources.
In an embodiment, the system of present disclosure provides anaerobic digestion (AD) for biogas production, specifically targeting the enhancement of methane production from food waste. The system addresses the key parameters that influence AD efficiency, such as pH, temperature, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), alkalinity, hydraulic retention time (HRT), organic loading rate (OLR), total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and inhibitors like ammonia. These parameters, along with mixing and shear stress, are finely tuned to prevent adverse effects on AD process efficiency.
Table 1 demonstrates variations in pH levels that could potentially impact methane production. For instance, fruit waste exhibited a high pH of 9.3, while a combination of food and fruit waste registered a more neutral pH of 7.3 when additives were included. These pH levels are crucial since they influence the microbial ecosystems responsible for breaking down the organic matter into biogas.
Table 1
S. No
Feedstocks
Observed pH

1
Fruit waste
9.3

2
Food waste
6.5

3
Food + Fruit waste
6.1

4
Fruit waste + Additives
8.3

5
Food waste + Additives
6.7

6
Food waste + Fruit waste + Additives
7.3

Moreover, the as process enable constant malignance of temperature of 35°C and incorporates grinding and alkali pre-treatment of the feedstocks results in notable increases in methane content (refer Table 2), with the highest observed at 56% for food waste with additives within an 8–13-day timeframe. It is evident that the combination of food waste with additives presents significant advantages, as reflected in the observed 63% methane content in a scaled-up 25-liter digester when using additives like copper, nickel, and biochar with a maintained temperature of 32 °C over 78 hours of hydraulic retention time (refer Table 3).
Table 2
S. No
Feedstocks
Temperature maintained
(°c)
Pre-treatment technology involved
Hydraulic Retention Time and duration of gas production
Obtained CH4 (%)

1
Fruit waste
35
Grinding and Alkali Pre-treatment
13 – 15th day
32

2
Food waste
35
Grinding and Alkali Pre-treatment
9 – 11th day
37

3
Food +Fruit waste
35
Grinding and Alkali Pre-treatment
11 – 12th day
33

4
Fruit waste+ Additives
35
Grinding and Alkali Pre-treated
10- 14th day
29

5
Food waste+ Additives
35
Grinding and Alkali Pre-treatment
8 – 13th day
56

6
Food waste + Fruit waste+ Additives
35
Grinding and Alkali Pre-treatment
13 – 16th day
49

Table 3
S. No
Feedstock
Additives
Added
Temperature
Observed
HRT
Methane%

1.
Foodwaste-10kg
Cu + Ni + Bio-char
32oc
78 Hours
63

These results signify the advantages of the current invention over existing technologies. By optimizing critical parameters and incorporating pre-treatment technologies, the invention not only augments the methane percentage in biogas but also reduces the hydraulic retention time, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and productivity of the AD process. The inventive method, therefore, promises improved biogas yield, process stability, and economic viability, positioning itself as an advancement in the sustainable management of food waste.
FIG. 3 illustrates a laboratory-scale biodigester setup comprising a round bottom flask seated on a heating mantle, with a glass gas collection canister connected via a sampling point, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The round bottom flask functions as the reactor where anaerobic digestion of organic matter occurs under controlled temperature facilitated by the heating mantle beneath. The resultant biogas is then channelled to the glass gas collection canister where it is stored and can be sampled for analysis at the designated sampling point. This setup is representative of a small-scale experimental model used for studying the biogas production process in a controlled laboratory environment, enabling researchers to monitor and optimize conditions for maximum gas yield.
FIG. 4 illustrates a larger scale biodigester designed to handle a greater volume of organic material, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The main digester chamber is more substantial, indicating its capacity for higher quantities of waste as compared to the lab-scale model. The gas collection system here also includes a glass gas collection canister, with a sampling point for gas analysis. The biogas generation system of present disclosure aims to address several technical problems associated with traditional anaerobic digestion processes. Traditional digestion processes often result in lower-than-optimal levels of biogas production, primarily due to the inefficient microbial breakdown of complex organic materials in food waste. The breakdown of some components of food waste can be sluggish, necessitating prolonged retention times in digesters, thereby limiting the efficiency and throughput of the biogas production. Operational variations such as changes in feedstock composition, pH levels, and temperature can disrupt the consistency and performance of the digestion process, leading to decreased efficiency. Conventional systems may not be capable of processing various types of food waste effectively, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and biogas generation. Inefficient biogas production can have negative environmental impacts, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and over-reliance on landfilling. Economically, it can affect the viability of biogas facilities due to the high operating costs and low yields.
FIG. 5 illustrates graphical illustration of methane production from fruit waste (FrW) only, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Initially, methane generation is minimal and increases incrementally, suggesting a slow adaptation or buildup of the microbial community responsible for anaerobic digestion. The graph shows a steady climb in methane percentage, which culminates in a peak around the 15-day mark, indicating the optimal period of biogas production for this feedstock. Post-peak, there is a sharp decline, possibly due to the depletion of readily digestible material or inhibitory conditions that could arise from the digestion byproducts.
FIG. 6 illustrates graphical illustration of methane production from food waste (FdW) as a feedstock, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The methane yield remains subdued for the initial days, followed by a sudden and significant increase in production as the hydraulic retention time (HRT) approaches 10 days. This suggests that conditions within the digester become favorable for methanogenesis. However, after reaching this peak, methane production plummets, which could be indicative of a similar decline in substrate availability or a shift in the digester environment that impairs methanogenic activity.
FIG. 7 illustrates chart for methane production from a combination of food and fruit waste (FrW+FdW) is presented, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The combined feedstock shows a gradual increase in methane yield, which then sharply rises to reach a maximum around day 12. This peak is followed by a steep reduction in methane percentage. The graph illustrates that the co-digestion of these wastes potentially creates a more balanced nutrient profile and microbial environment, resulting in an efficient but short-lived peak in methane production.
FIG. 8 illustrates the impact of additives to fruit waste (FrW+Adt) influences methane yield, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. After a slow start, the methane production ascends gradually to a first significant peak, drops slightly, and then exhibits a secondary smaller peak before falling off markedly. The initial increase and subsequent dual peak could be due to the combined effect of enhanced microbial activity from additives and the sequential degradation of different components within the fruit waste.
FIG. 9 illustrates the methane output for food waste with additives (FdW+Adt), in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The introduction of additives appears to dramatically accelerate the onset of peak methane production, achieving the highest yield shortly around day 8. This rapid rise to the peak, followed by a quick descent, suggests that additives significantly boost the methanogenic process, although they may also lead to a faster depletion of fermentable substrates.
FIG. 10 illustrates methane production curve for the combination of food waste, fruit waste, and additives (FdW+FrW+Adt), in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The methane content climbs swiftly to a peak at day 13, with a subsequent sharp decline. The combined effects of different types of waste and additives may provide a synergistic environment that enhances methane generation, yet this peak is unsustainable in the longer term.
FIG. 11 illustrates the efficiency of methane production from food waste with additives (FdW+Adt) in a scaled-up 25-liter digester, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. This graph differs from the others by showcasing a consistent and significant rise in methane production, reaching its apex within a week of HRT. This sustained increase to a high plateau could indicate that scaling up the process with the optimized parameters results in a more stable and efficient methanogenesis, possibly due to improved management of inhibitory factors.
FIG. 12 illustrates a comparative methane yield analysis for food waste with and without additives, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is evident that the addition of additives (FdW+Adt) results in a significantly higher and earlier peak in methane production compared to the feedstock without additives (FdW). This comparison highlights the substantial impact that additives have on improving the speed and amount of methane produced, suggesting that their use could be a key factor in enhancing the efficiency of anaerobic digestion for biogas production.
Example embodiments herein have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods and apparatuses. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by various means including hardware, software, firmware, and a combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
Operations in accordance with a variety of aspects of the disclosure is described above would not have to be performed in the precise order described. Rather, various steps can be handled in reverse order or simultaneously or not at all.
While several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein may be utilized, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

I/We Claims

A biogas production system (100) for converting food waste into biogas, comprising:
a food waste input hopper (102) configured to receive and direct food waste;
a grinding and milling apparatus (104) mechanically connected to the input hopper (102), the apparatus (104) comprising a series of cutting blades and hammers for size reduction of the food waste;
a conveyance mechanism (106) operatively linked to the grinding and milling apparatus (104) for transporting the milled food waste to a pre-treatment mixer;
the pre-treatment mixer (108) equipped with a chemical additive dispenser for homogeneous mixing of biochar, copper, and nickel additives in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L;
an anaerobic biodigester tank (110) where the pre-treated food waste undergoes digestion, the tank hermetically sealed and connected to a biogas recovery unit (112); and
the biogas recovery unit (112) includes a gas separation unit and a storage facility for the collection and containment of produced biogas.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) includes temperature control systems to maintain the optimal temperature for methanogenic bacteria activity.
The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a biogas purification unit to separate methane from other gases.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) is constructed with a dual-layered wall, comprising an inner thermally conductive layer and an outer insulation layer.
The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a pH monitoring and adjustment unit to maintain an optimal pH level for anaerobic digestion.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) is associated with an agitator to release produced biogas from pre-treated food waste present within the anaerobic biodigester chamber.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the biodigester is equipped with a feed unit for the continuous supply of pre-treated food waste and a discharge unit to discharge the fermented food waste.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the biogas recovery unit (112) comprises filters to remove hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and other impurities.
A method (200) for producing biogas from food waste, comprising:
grinding and milling the food waste to reduce particle size and increase specific surface area;
pre-treating the milled food waste with a chemical additive to enhance methane accumulation during anaerobic digestion, wherein the chemical addivite is selected from biochar, and copper and nickel in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L to stimulate methanogenic activity; and
digesting the pre-treated food waste in an anaerobic biodigester to produce biogas.

METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM FOOD WASTE

The present disclosure provides a biogas production system for converting food waste into biogas. The system comprises a food waste input hopper configured to receive and direct food waste, a grinding and milling apparatus mechanically connected to the input hopper. The apparatus includes a series of cutting blades and hammers for size reduction of the food waste. A conveyance mechanism is operatively linked to the grinding and milling apparatus for transporting the milled food waste to a pre-treatment mixer. The pre-treatment mixer is equipped with a chemical additive dispenser for homogeneous mixing of biochar, copper, and nickel additives in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L. An anaerobic biodigester tank where the pre-treated food waste undergoes digestion, the tank is hermetically sealed and connected to a biogas recovery unit. The biogas recovery unit includes a gas separation unit and a storage facility for the collection and containment of produced biogas.

, Claims:I/We Claims

A biogas production system (100) for converting food waste into biogas, comprising:
a food waste input hopper (102) configured to receive and direct food waste;
a grinding and milling apparatus (104) mechanically connected to the input hopper (102), the apparatus (104) comprising a series of cutting blades and hammers for size reduction of the food waste;
a conveyance mechanism (106) operatively linked to the grinding and milling apparatus (104) for transporting the milled food waste to a pre-treatment mixer;
the pre-treatment mixer (108) equipped with a chemical additive dispenser for homogeneous mixing of biochar, copper, and nickel additives in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L;
an anaerobic biodigester tank (110) where the pre-treated food waste undergoes digestion, the tank hermetically sealed and connected to a biogas recovery unit (112); and
the biogas recovery unit (112) includes a gas separation unit and a storage facility for the collection and containment of produced biogas.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) includes temperature control systems to maintain the optimal temperature for methanogenic bacteria activity.
The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a biogas purification unit to separate methane from other gases.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) is constructed with a dual-layered wall, comprising an inner thermally conductive layer and an outer insulation layer.
The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a pH monitoring and adjustment unit to maintain an optimal pH level for anaerobic digestion.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the anaerobic biodigester tank (110) is associated with an agitator to release produced biogas from pre-treated food waste present within the anaerobic biodigester chamber.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the biodigester is equipped with a feed unit for the continuous supply of pre-treated food waste and a discharge unit to discharge the fermented food waste.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the biogas recovery unit (112) comprises filters to remove hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and other impurities.
A method (200) for producing biogas from food waste, comprising:
grinding and milling the food waste to reduce particle size and increase specific surface area;
pre-treating the milled food waste with a chemical additive to enhance methane accumulation during anaerobic digestion, wherein the chemical addivite is selected from biochar, and copper and nickel in concentrations ranging between 0.5–1 mg/L to stimulate methanogenic activity; and
digesting the pre-treated food waste in an anaerobic biodigester to produce biogas.

METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM FOOD WASTE