Pilot Test Results of the Bio Terminator High-Rate Plug Flow Anaerobic Digester

Based on research conducted at Louisiana State University, a new high-rate anaerobic digester has been developed to treat municipal sludges and high-strength organic wastewaters. The patented digester, being marketed under license from LSU as the BioTerminator 24/85, purports to reduce the total suspended solids of feed sludge by 85% in 24 hours. Additionally, it reportedly works successfully on any primary, secondary, or mixed sludge with a solids concentration of 0.5% – 5.0% TS. Volatile solids destruction is reported at 90% on average, and aerobic sludges, not traditionally treated by anaerobic methods, have been successfully reduced by anaerobic digestion through the BioTerminator. The digestion process is so efficient, the developers claim, that the process effluent is totally recyclable to the plant influent, virtually eliminating wastewater treatment plant solids handling. Additionally, methane is generated in the process that can be recovered. And finally, no external mixing or energy source is required other than heating incoming sludge to 35°C (95°F) to promote optimum mesophilic digestion conditions.The paper describes the unit in more detail and presents the results of pilot studies from wastewater treatment plants at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Daphne, Alabama, and Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas.