Kulichkova H. Development of biogas production technology from bioethanol production waste

The dissertation is devoted to the development of biotechnology for obtaining biogas from post-alcohol molasses (vinasse) and lignocellulosic biomass of sugar sorghum stalks (bagasse); study of the biochemical composition of vinasse and bagasse as components of a complex substrate for methanogenic fermentation; establishing the parameters of methanogenic fermentation of a complex substrate and determining the relevant data for managing the biotechnological component of the biogas production technology. Laboratory and research and industrial installations for methanogenic fermentation have been created, on which research has been carried out and experimental data obtained. Conclusions and recommendations for the industrial implementation of the fermentation process are formulated on the basis of the research results. The optimal size of lignocellulose substrate particles as a methanogenic group of microorganisms have been experimentally found. The optimal parameters of the control of the process of anaerobic fermentation by composition and number of VFA (volatile fatty acids) in the fermentation environment are determined. It was found that the concentration of vinasse up to 40% of dry matter and an increase in the content of chemical oxygen consumption (COC) in the substrate affects the efficiency of fermentation and allows reducing the size of reactors and the costs of their operation. According to the proposals of the acquirer, the limited liability company «Eco-Energy» of the Sumy region (LLC «Eco-Energy») produced an experimental installation for biogas fermentation of complex substrates consisting of molasses and sorghum bagasse, or other associated plant biomass. The installation made it possible to obtain experimental data on methane fermentation under conditions close to industrial ones. The applicant is involved in the development of industrial biogas complexes. The results of the work can be used by higher education institutions for teachers and students of biotechnological specialties.