Use of the UASB reactor for the anaerobic treatment of stillage from sugar cane molasses

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Abstract
The feasibility of applying the UASB concept for the anaerobic treatment of stillage of distilleries in the sugar producing area of Argentina was subject to study. Results obtained in a 100‐L UASB reactor treating stillages with COD values between 35 and 100 g COD/L are presented. Loading rates of up to 24 g COD/L/day were applied with an average COD removal of 75% and a biogas production of more than 9 L/L/day, with an average methane content of 58%. The settling velocity distribution of sludge particles would indicate a good formation of biomass pellets. System interruptions of months without feed and at ambient temperature (20–24°C) were well tolerated.