Anaerobic digester or anaerobic reactor: what’s the difference?

You may have heard of anaerobic reactors in conjunction with anaerobic digesters or anaerobic digestion plants, but what – if there are any – is the difference between an anaerobic digester and an anaerobic reactor?

What is the difference between an anaerobic digester and an anaerobic reactor?

Anaerobic reactor: anaerobic reactors tend to be linked to wastewater treatment and the recovery of biogas via the decomposition of wastewater COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand). 

An anaerobic reactor is required for the release of phosphate and uptake of acetate by phosphate-accumulating bacteria and the more anaerobic the conditions – i.e. the greater the uptake or disappearance of oxygen – then the more acetate is generated.

Anaerobic digester: anaerobic digesters, however, tend to be associated with sludge and farm waste management such as the treatment of animal waste, energy rich crops and herbal leys. 

Anaerobic bacteria like bacteroids, bifidobacterium and prevotella decompose the wastes in the feedstock and produce biogas. 

On-farm anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a great addition to a working farm, providing farms and farmers with an effective and efficient waste management solution; a way to dispose of animal or crop waste and use that waste to generate heat and power, either to create a self-sustaining farm or to sell into the energy grid in order to make an additional income. 

If you’re looking for support or guidance with your next anaerobic digestion plant construction project  and would like to discuss your requirements with professionals, please click here or contact us today.