Two-phase anaerobic fermentation of liquid swine waste to methane

Two-phase anaerobic digestion of liquid swine manure has been developed with options for single-cell protein (SCP) or methane production. In the acidogenic phase at two to four days retention time, and 2.5-7.0% dry matter (DM) concentration, 8-46% of the volatile solids was solubilized. Maximum reactor capacity was 3.86 g/L at 7.0% DM concentration, but optimal operation was achieved at 4.5% DM concentration at four days retention time. The second methanogenic phase was operated continuously and had a maximum specific methane production rate of 0.70 L/L day at 12 days retention time. With recirculation, the rate was 1.16 L/L day at 8.5 days retention time with 52.7% conversion of organic matter. Maximum digestibility was 66% of the lignin free organic matter.