Development of a Data Base System for the Evaluation of Biogas Tests : Data Management and Quantification of Methodological Effects

Abstract

Results of fermentation-tests can show significant spreads due to different experimental methods. This leads to uncertainties in calculation, planning and understanding of anaerobic process-kinetics. In order to gather de- tailed data of fermentation-tests, a databank-based software relating high-resolution data was developed. The software was used to assess differences in the results of fermentation-tests arising from the application of differ- ent methods. The gas-yields calculated from data logged hourly were not significantly different from those cal- culated on a daily basis. The deviations between calculated theoretic gas-yields and the results of semi- continuous tests were less than 10 %. Batch and semi-continuous tests with the same base substrate led to simi- lar results which may be due to synergistic effects. The pH-values measured immediately after sampling were 0.25 units lower than determined in the laboratory analysis.