Abstract
The objectives of this study were twofold: to determine the specific oxygen consumption rate of mixed sludges by means of a respirometry study, and to investigate the applicability of a developed model to a pilot-scale reactor containing nightsoil and brewery sludges. The results of the study revealed the specific oxygen consumption rates to be 87.7 mg O2/kg VS-hr and 117.7 mg O2/kg VS-hr at temperatures of 25 °C and 35 °C, respectively. Oxygen was found to be consumed at a higher rate in the reactor operated at the higher temperature. The computer simulation for temperature variations in the pilot-scale reactor showed a good relationship between the simulated and the measured temperatures. After three days operation, the highest simulated temperature was 65 °C, whereas the highest measured temperature was 60 °C. In addition, results suggest that the model can provide an accurate air supply rate to indicate economical reactor operation.
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Received: 25 May 1999
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Kim, D., Kim, J. & Lee, J. Aerobic composting performance and simulation of mixed sludges. Bioprocess Engineering 22, 533–537 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004499900102
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004499900102