Simulation of low temperature anaerobic digestion of dairy and swine manure

The data reported by L.M. Safley, P.W. Westerman [Bioresource Technology 47 (2) (1994) 165-171] from the laboratory digestion of dairy and swine manure at psychrophilic temperatures (i.e., 10-23 degrees C) have been used to determine the response of the latest comprehensive dynamic mathematical model of methanogenesis [D.T. Hill, S.A. Cobb, Transactions of the ASAE 39 (2) (1996) 565-573] in this low temperature range. Extensive performance data from digesters using animal waste in this temperature range have been lacking, thus allowing limited validation of the comprehensive model. The results of the comprehensive model simulations were compared with the actual data reported by Safley and Westerman (loc. cit.) and with their empirical regression models. Results indicate that the comprehensive model is as accurate as Safley and Westerman's models for three of the four cases reported, but shows a great dissimilarity for the fourth case.