Dry Matter Control for Straw Pretreatment in Biogas Production.

 

 

Abstract

This application note details the use of the Polispec Lite system for monitoring the dry matter content of straw during its pretreatment with a Steam Explosion system. The sensor, installed in a mixer, measures the dry matter of the solid material (straw) and determines the optimal amount of liquid (water or liquid digestate) to add. This ensures the correct preparation of the material for the Steam Explosion process, optimizing the deconstruction of the straw’s lignin structure. The treated material becomes more digestible by bacteria in biogas digesters, enhancing electricity production through cogeneration or biomethane generation.

 

 

 

Introduction

The Steam Explosion process is an advanced technology for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials like straw, making them more digestible by bacteria in biogas digesters. However, variability in the composition of the solid input material can compromise process efficiency, making accurate control of dry matter and liquid addition essential.

The Polispec Lite system provides real-time monitoring, ensuring that the ratio between straw and liquid (water or digestate) is optimal for the Steam Explosion process.

 

Objectives

• Real-time monitoring of straw’s dry matter content.
• Determining the optimal amount of liquid to add for the process.
• Enhancing the digestibility of lignocellulosic materials in biogas digesters.

 

 

 

 

 

Methodology

The Polispec Lite was installed directly within the mixer used for straw pretreatment.

The continuous analyses enable total and in-real-time control.

 

 

 

 

 

Process Steps

1. Dry Matter Measurement: The Polispec Lite analyzes the dry matter content of the solid material (straw) in real-time.
2. Liquid Addition Adjustment: The collected data allows calculation and regulation of the required amount of liquid (water or liquid digestate).
3. Pretreatment Validation: The optimized mixture is sent to the Steam Explosion system to ensure effective lignin deconstruction.

 

Results and Discussion

Implementing the Polispec Lite system has enabled:

• Optimal control of the solid-to-liquid ratio in straw pretreatment.
• Increased digestibility of lignocellulosic materials by bacteria in biogas digesters.
• Improved stability in anaerobic digestion processes, enhancing energy yields.

 

Conclusions

Using Polispec Lite for controlling the steam explosion process offers an effective solution to optimize the pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials for biogas plants. Real-time monitoring of dry matter and liquid adjustment ensures a stable and efficient process, enhancing energy and biomethane yields.

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