Partida e modificações de um digestor anaeróbio de fluxo ascendente, com manta de lodo e separadores de fases, tratando vinhoto.

Abstract

The main objective of this work is the evaluation of the performance, during the start, of an anaerobic digester with upward flow with sludge blanket and phase separators treating vinhoto. The survey comprised the period from February 16 to April 30, 1990. The operation of an industrial scale unit with 1,000 m3 of capacity was started with continuous feed from an alcohol distillery in the city of Maraial, in the State of Pernambuco Brazil. During the research period the organic load was increased from 1.0 KgDQ0 / m3 / d to values ​​close to 6.0 KgDQ0 / m3 / d, demonstrating the adaptation of the sludge to the substrate. Analyzing the experimental results, it was verified that the digester was able to remove 96% of the D.B.O and 95% of the D.Q.O of the vinhoto. Based on observations of the behavior of the digester during the research, it is suggested modifications in its structure aiming at a better performance. This work also discusses the increase of the profitability of distilleries through the use of by - products of vinhoto. It was concluded that the upflow anaerobic reactor with sludge blanket is adequate to digest vinhoto, provided that its suspended solids content, pH and temperature are corrected.