Analysis and Monitoring The Impact of Second Generation Thermal Hydrolysis Process on Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion Process performance

Abstract

The Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) has been successfully employed as a pre-treatment to anaerobic digestion across the world for over 15 years. Due to a number of drivers the development of second generation THP variations is now well underway. This paper will discuss the performance of conventional THP and Intermediate THP which has two stages of digestion to increase energy yield and reduce parasitic steam requirements. Using economic and environmental life cycle assessment it is shown that Intermediate THP offers the best anaerobic digestion based solution for energy recovery. Conventional THP still remains an excellent solution when AD volume is constrained, but the support fuel requirement reduces the environmental performance.