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Biochemical Processes

The biochemical processes laboratory is devoted to fundamental and applied research in the field of anaerobic digestion. Primary objective is an efficient biogas and biomethane production via the bioconversion of biomass and other biowaste streams. Process modelling and microbiological evaluation are tools implemented for process optimization. Another research issue addressed in the premises of biochemical processes lab. includes the biogas upgrading with the implementation of a membrane technology and a sustainable valorisation of anaerobic digestion products and by-products for fertilizer, fuels and chemicals production. Dark fermentation and composting of organic streams constitute additional research themes tackled in the laboratory. Biochemical processes lab. scientists hold an extended experience in conducting biochemical methane potential assays (BMP), operating bench-scale digesters and composters, designing and constructing of lab- and pilot-scale modules, as well as scaling-up anaerobic digestion units from laboratory to pilot and industrial level. Biochemical processes lab. collaborates with a number of industrial biogas plants in the context of research and development projects whereas provides technical services under contractual agreements to several enterprises.

Research activities

  • Optimization of low and high solid anaerobic digestion process (pre-treatment, inhibition prevention, parameters adaptation, etc).
  • Handling of nitrogen rich substrates.
  • Modelling and process simulation.
  • Anaerobic digestion support (additives, biochar, activated carbon, etc).
  • Digestate valorization (biochar generation, fertilizers, recycling methodologies).
  • Dark fermentation and biohydrogen generation.
  • Gas separation technologies (membrane, filter technology).
  • Biogas purification and upgrading.
  • Biogas-to-energy techniques (turbine, co-generation etc).

Equipment

  • Batch anaerobic digestion system (Biogas RITTER BBFS-18).
  • Series of glass-bottle reactors (1 L) coupled with gas-measuring burettes.
  • Lab-scale rotary reactor (15 L) (Qty: 2).
  • Vertical digester coupled with incubator (20 L) (Qty: 4).
  • CSTR anaerobic digester (60 L) (Qty: 2).
  • Rotary reactor (160 L) (Qty: 2).
  • Two-stage vertical anaerobic digester (200 L).
  • Pilot-scale horizontal CSTR system (400 L).
  • Infrared and electrochemical biogas analysers (CH4, CO2, O2, H2, H2S).
  • Elemental analyser (C, H, N, S, O).
  • Determination of COD, pH, conductivity, moisture, ORP, O2.
  • Other relevant devices: incubators, dryers, autoclaves, gas-holders, crushers, mills, homogenizers.

Offered services

  • Physicochemical evaluation of solids (biomass, waste, digestate).
  • Gas composition analysis (biogas, natural gas).
  • Substrate preparation and pre-treatment (grounding, milling, screening, hydrolysis).
  • Simulation of industrial anaerobic mono- and co-digestion process.
  • Evaluation of industrial process parameters (loading, retention time, substrate, stirring etc).
  • Assessment of anaerobic digestion additives (minerals, buffers, biochar, enzymes, microorganisms).

Research team

Dr. Panagiotis Basinas
Ing. et Ing. Kateřina Chamrádová, Ph.D.
Ing. Petra Wojnarová, Ph.D.
Ing. Jan Mutina
Ing. Markéta Bouchalová, Ph.D. (materity leave)
doc. Ing. Pavel Izák, DrSc.
Mr. Jiří Jureček

Contact

Dr. Panagiotis Basinas
e-mail:
tel.: 00420 597 32 7306

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