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Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies ›Institute of Environmental Technology ›Science and research ›Research groups ›Biochemical Processes

Biochemical Processes

This laboratory focuses on both basic and applied research, using biomass (including biowaste) to produce biowaste, and the research of the subsequent processes, such as biogas purification. We do modelling and evaluation of the processes of anaerobic transformation of biomass into biogas and digestate, which may both be used in energy production. We provide basic analytical service for biogas stations and we also evaluate biogas technologies. We test methane production from non-traditional substrate. We also investigate the biomass aerobic degradation process, i.e. composting. New bioreactors, especially lower capacity ones, are being developed.

Research activities

  • Optimization of wet and dry anaerobic digestion.
  • Assessment of anaerobic digestion of demanding materials and waste streams.
  • Design and development of novel bioreactors – focus on mobile and easily transferable units.

Equipment

  • Respirometric system WTW OXITOP AN6.
  • Series of 1lt bottle reactors (BMP tests)
  • Lab-scale rotary reactor (15 lt)
  • Four (4) vertical reactors coupled with incubator (20 lt)
  • Three (3) CSTR reactors (60 lt)
  • Two (2) rotary reactors with volume 160 lt
  • Two-stage vertical AD reactor (200 lt)
  • Pilot-scale horizontal CSTR AD unit (400 lt)
  • Adjustable inclination (0-90°) pilot-scale reactor (900 lt)
  • Pilot-scale rotary reactor with 10 m3 volume
  • Infrared and electrochemical biogas analysers (CH4, CO2, O2, H2, H2S).
  • Elemental analyser (C, H, N, O, S).
  • Measuring equipment: COD, pH, conductivity, moisture, ORP, O2.
  • Processing equipment: incubators, dryers, autoclaves, gas-holders, crushers, mills, homogenizers.

Offered services

  • Physicochemical characterization of solids (biomass, biowaste, digestate).
  • Chemical characterization of gases (biogas, natural gas).
  • Feedstock preparation and pre-treatment (crushing, hydrolysis, acidification).
  • Downscale of industrial plants anaerobic (co)digestion process.
  • Testing of industrial process parameters (loading, retention time, mixing).
  • Assessment of additives (trace elements, buffering, enzymes, microorganisms).

Research team

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

Contact

Ing. Jiří Rusín, Ph.D.
e-mail:
tel.: 00420 597 32 7328

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Publishing and scientific activity

Chapter

KAŠÁKOVÁ, Kateřina and Jiří RUSÍN. Biogas Production via High-Solid Anaerobic Codigestion of the Silage of Winter Triticale with Mixed Waste of Fruit and Vegetable and with Biogas Biscuit Meal of EKPO-EB Type. In: Handbook of Renewable Energy. Berlin: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2015. p. 1-11. ISBN 978-3-642-39487-4. [Detail]