Advanced Stability Sensor for Anaerobic Digestion Processes (2007-2009)

Anaerobic digestion is a key component in many industrial and domestic wastewater treatment solutions. It provides a renewable energy stream, and a small footprint as compared to competing technologies. However, one of the biggest disadvantages is a lack of a stability sensor. Failure of the anaerobic digester can cause cessation of upstream operations, and place the future of the entire factory in doubt. Causes of failure are well understood, and an excellent early warning indicator exists. However, measurement of this is slow, and expensive. The objective of this study is to develop a flexible and robust sensor that includes inhibitors, and stability, and apply it to implement an overall stability indicator for digester operation.'',