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Biogas upgrading with hydrogenotrophic methanogenic biofilms
Karen Maegaard1, Emilio Garcia-Robledo2, Michael V W Kofoed3
1WATEC, Section of Microbiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Bioresource Technology
|May 16, 2019
Summary
Adding hydrogen to biogas reactors enhances methane production. This study optimized conditions for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, overcoming gas-to-liquid transfer limits for efficient biogas upgrading.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Biogas upgrading using hydrogen (H2) offers a pathway to produce methane (CH4) for energy grids.
- A key challenge is the limited mass transfer of gases into the liquid phase within biogas reactors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microbial conversions in hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis reactors.
- To identify factors influencing H2 consumption and CH4 production rates.
- To optimize reactor design for efficient biogas upgrading.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microsensors to monitor H2, pH, and CO2 concentrations in real-time.
- Employed reactors with 3-dimensional biofilm carriers and large gas headspaces.
- Quantified microbial activity and CH4 production rates.
Main Results:
- H2 consumption was influenced by CO2 concentration, with partial recovery after CO2 depletion.
- A dense biofilm of Methanoculleus sp. facilitated high CH4 production rates.
- Reactors with 75% carrier material achieved 50% to 95% CH4 enrichment within 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Optimized reactor design and microbial conditions can overcome gas-to-liquid mass transfer limitations.
- Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is a viable strategy for efficient biogas upgrading.
- This technology enables the conversion of excess electrical energy into grid-compatible methane.
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