Development of mathematical model for predicting methane-to-carbon dioxide proportion in anaerobic biodegradability of cattle blood and rumen content

oleh: Gilbert Kofi Selormey, Benedict Barnes, Edward A. Awafo, Francis Kemausuor, Lawrence Darkwah

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Elsevier 2022-12-01

Deskripsi

The main goal of the study was to assess the anaerobic biodegradability of cattle blood and rumen content under mesophilic conditions and develop a mathematical model that incorporates the two main fractions of biogas namely, methane and carbon dioxide; hydraulic retention time and temperature for use as a tool to efficiently predict the optimum and economic conditions for the industrial production of the main fractions of biogas. Slaughterhouse waste containing cattle blood and rumen content was obtained from the Kumasi Abattoir Company Limited and processed for laboratory experimentation. The biochemical methane potential assay was performed within the laboratory to determine the main fractions of biogas at thermostatically controlled temperatures of 35, 37 and 40 °C and 54 days. The data was idealized with scatter plots and co-efficient of determination. Analysis of the data suggested a non-linear relationship between the fractions of biogas and the temperature and hydraulic retention days. By using computer techniques to solve the nonlinear equations, a unique model was produced. The model accurately duplicates not only the experimental fractions of biogas, but it predicts the fractions of biogas in a continuum of temperature and days and offers a significant benefit for industrial production. It offers a significant economic benefit in the industry by enabling computer automation and conservation of energy by guiding producers to operate at the optimal temperatures and days for maximum production of the fractions of biogas. The computer model fills a gap in the existing literature and technology regarding the biodegradability of cattle blood and rumen content.