Rapid bio-methanation of syngas in a reverse membrane bioreactor: membrane encased microorganisms

Abstract

The performance of a novel reverse membrane bioreactor (RMBR) with encased microorganisms for syngas bio-methanation as well as a co-digestion process of syngas and organic substances was examined. The sachets were placed in the reactors and examined in repeated batch mode. Different temperatures and short retention time were studied. The digesting sludge encased in the PVDF membranes was able to convert syngas into methane at a retention time of 1 day and displayed a similar performance as the free cells in batch fermentation. The co-digestion of syngas and organic substances by the RMBR (the encased cells) showed a good performance without any observed negative effects. At thermophilic conditions, there was a higher conversion of pure syngas and co-digestion using the encased cells compared to at mesophilic conditions.

Keywords: Cell retention; Co-digestion; Membrane bioreactor; Methane; Syngas fermentation.