operating parameters

Under normal operating conditions, the following parameters have to be monitored:

• in acidogenesis: pH, VFA/COD ratio, temperature, oxidation reduction potential
• in methane fermentation:

In the event of a malfunction, which generally provokes a fall in pH, an increase in VFA concentration and an increase in CO₂ content in the gas followed by a fall in biogas production.

A partial increase in the pressure of hydrogen should be noted), quick intervention is necessary:

• by reducing the load;
• by examining the parameters quoted above and those applicable to the effluent to be treated in order to understand the process at fault.

In the event of a progressive fall in performances, among other things, it is necessary to consider a possible nutrient deficiency (N,P), an effect of toxicity linked to H₂S or other compounds but also a possible deficiency in oligo-elements (Ni, Co…) and check the biodegradability of the effluent (presence of inhibitors…).