Optimizing ADM1 Calibration and Input Characterization for Effective Co-Digestion Modelling

Anaerobic co-digestion in wastewater treatment plants is looking increasingly like a straightforward solution to many issues arising from the operation of mono-digestion. Process modelling relevant predict plant behavior and its sensitivity operational parameters, assess feasibility simultaneously feeding digester with different organic wastes. Still, much work has be completed turn anaerobic digestion into reliable practical tool. Indeed, complex biochemical processes described ADM1 model require identification several parameters analytical determinations for substrate characterization. A combined protocol including batch Biochemical Methane Potential tests proposed applied influent characterization simulate pilot-scale where waste sludge expired yogurt was operated. An iterative procedure also developed improve fit kinetic parameter identification. The results are encouraging: significantly reduced Theil’s Inequality Coefficient (TIC), used evaluate goodness alkalinity, total volatile fatty acids, pH, COD, solids, ammoniacal nitrogen. Improvements TIC values, compared first iteration, ranged between 30 58%.