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Air pollution

Thermal Hydrolysis Treatment Enhances Methane Yield in Digestates

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomic Research has demonstrated that thermal hydrolysis treatment can significantly improve methane yield in digestates derived from food waste and sewage sludge biogas plants. The study found that post-treatment with thermal hydrolysis at 160 degrees C yielded 1.5 times more methane in the liquid fraction of food waste digestate, while sewage sludge digestate showed a threefold increase. Additionally, the treatment improved phosphorus solubility, enhancing the nutrient value of the digestates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thermal hydrolysis treatment at 160 degrees C improved methane yield in the liquid fraction of food waste digestate by 1.5 times.
  • Sewage sludge digestate showed a threefold increase in methane yield after thermal hydrolysis treatment.
  • Post-treatment with sulfuric acid increased phosphate release but reduced methane production in both digestates.
  • The solid fraction of food waste digestate at 160 degrees C had 1.4 times higher methane yield than untreated.
  • Thermal hydrolysis treatment improved phosphorus solubility, enhancing the nutrient value of the digestates.
  • Beguem Bilgic, Lu Feng, Michal Sposob, Svein Jarle Horn, Judit Sandquist, Cecilie Graesholt, Asmira Delic, and Roger Khalil contributed to the research.
  • The research was funded by the Research Council of Norway.

Statistics:

  • 1.5 times: increase in methane yield in the liquid fraction of food waste digestate after thermal hydrolysis treatment.
  • 3 times: increase in methane yield in sewage sludge digestate after thermal hydrolysis treatment.
  • 160 degrees C: temperature at which thermal hydrolysis treatment was performed.
  • 190 degrees C: alternative temperature for thermal hydrolysis treatment.
  • 1.4 times: increase in methane yield in solid fraction of food waste digestate after thermal hydrolysis treatment.
  • 2025: publication year of the research.

Sources:

  • Water Science & Technology, 2025; 91(11): 1234-1247 (Thermal Hydrolysis Treatment of Digestates Derived From Food Waste and Sewage Sludge - Effect On Residual Methane Potential)
  • Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomic Research, Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Pob 115, N-1431 As, Norway
  • Research Council of Norway
  • NewsRx LLC
  • Chemicals & Chemistry. July 11, 2025; p 2078

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