Photo-fermentative hydrogen production in a 4m3 baffled reactor: Effects of hydraulic retention time

Abstract

A 4m³ pilot-scale baffled continuous-flow photoreactor with four sequential chambers (#1-#4) was established and tested to evaluate its photo-fermentative hydrogen production from wastewater that contains (10g/L glucose using a functional consortium at 30°C, under light with an intensity of 3000±200lux with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24-72h. The hydrogen production rate and the broth characteristics varied significantly in the flow direction. The hydrogen production rate was highest in chamber #1, and lower in chambers #2-#4 at an HRT of 72h, while the peak production rate shifted to the latter chambers as the HRT was shortened. The overall H₂ production rate increased as HRT decreased, but was not consistent with the predictions that were based on the complete-mixing assumption.

Keywords: Hydraulic retention time; Hydrogen; Photo-fermentation; Pilot scale.