A novel high rate anaerobic digester capable of receiving low and high strength solids in waste feeds

A new type of high rate anaerobic fermenter, known as the hydraulic digester, which is capable of producing high specific yields of methane, has been developed capable of receiving a wide range of low or high strength suspended solids. Hydraulic retention times as low as three days have been achieved with this reactor, as well as organic loading rates of 7.5 Kg.COD/m3 of reactor per day. The level of methanogens has been determined by F420 analysis, and been shown to be more consistent than in conventional contact digesters.