Anaerobic digesters are used to create
anaerobic, meaning without oxygen, conditions so that anaerobic bacteria can efficiently digest biomass, sewage or other organic matter. This breaks down the waste into simpler substances like methane, carbon dioxide, water and nitrates. The
methane that the bacteria create can be captured and used for fuel. Wastewater treatment plants sometimes use
cogeneration plants fueled by the methane produced. The waste heat produced by the generator, usually a
reciprocating engine but sometimes a microturbine, to heat the water to the optimum temperature for bacterial growth. Less frequently, dairies and pig farrms use anaerobic digesters or anaerobic lagoons to treat animal waste.
External Links
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Methane (Biogas) from Anaerobic Digesters
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Anaerobic Lagoons