Bio-Hydrogen Production in Packed Bed Continuous Plug Flow Reactor-CFD-Multiphase Modelling

This research study investigates the modelling and simulation of biomass anaerobic dark fermentation in bio-hydrogen production in a continuous plug flow reactor. A CFD multiphase full transient model in long-term horizons was adopted to model dark fermentation biohydrogen production in continuous mode. Both the continuous discharge of biomass, which prevents the accumulation of solid parts, and the recirculation of the liquid phase ensure constant access to the nutrient solution. The effect of the hydraulic retention time (HRT), pH and the feed rate on the bio-hydrogen yield and production rates were examined in the simulation stage. Metabolite proportions (VFA: acetic, propionic, butyric) constitute important parameters influencing the bio-hydrogen production efficiency. The model of substrate inhibition on bio-hydrogen production from glucose by attached cells of the microorganism T. neapolitana applied to the modelling of the kinetics of bio-hydrogen production was used. The modelling and simulation of a continuous plug flow (bio)reactor in biohydrogen production is an important part of the process design, modelling and optimization of the biological H-2 production pathway.

Automated summary

This research investigates the modelling and simulation of biomass anaerobic dark fermentation in bio-hydrogen production in a continuous plug flow reactor. The study examines the effects of various factors, such as hydraulic retention time, pH, and feed rate, on the bio-hydrogen yield and production rates. The research also highlights the importance of metabolite proportions in influencing the efficiency of bio-hydrogen production.