Fermentation of distiller's wash in a biogas plant

Abstract

Biogas plants for energy recovery of distillery residues have been in use for more than 20 years. Primarily distiller's wash but also rectification wastewater, surplus yeast, and superposed raw materials can be used in a biogas plant. The anaerobic fermentation is applicable to the gasification of distiller's wash made out of potatoes, grain, maize, and also molasses, which was the object of very successful experiments (Gleixner and Spradau, 1996). Biogas plants for distiller's wash are sophisticated and also operate outstandingly with distiller's wash as monosubstrate. The anaerobic fermentation is a natural process that can positively be supported by means of technical and technological measures. The involved microorganisms are among the oldest creatures on earth. A highly efficient and trouble-free operation of the biogas plant is guaranteed by consideration of the natural rules. The energy generation from distiller's wash is an interesting alternative to the usual feed conversion, particularly if the feed market does not provide sufficient revenues. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.