Title: A study on Air Filled Porosity evolution in sludge composting

Authors: Luz Ruggieri; Teresa Gea; Adriana Artola; Antoni Sanchez

Addresses: Composting Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Escola Tecnica Superior d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193-Bellaterra, Cerdanyola, Spain. ' Composting Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Escola Tecnica Superior d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193-Bellaterra, Cerdanyola, Spain. ' Composting Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Escola Tecnica Superior d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193-Bellaterra, Cerdanyola, Spain. ' Composting Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Escola Tecnica Superior d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193-Bellaterra, Cerdanyola, Spain

Abstract: Air Filled Porosity (AFP) is a key parameter in the composting process, conditioning oxygen availability and heat accumulation. Air pycnometry is considered the most adequate methodology for AFP determination. This technique requires withdrawing a sample of material from the composting mass for AFP measurement, which may alter its physical characteristics. A novel strategy that permits to measure AFP in situ during the composting process is presented in this study. Raw and Anaerobically Digested Sludges (ADS) have been used as substrates. A common trend in AFP evolution during the composting process has been observed in most of the cases.

Keywords: air filled porosity; air pycnometry; anaerobically digested sludge; sludge composting; cumulative oxygen consumption; free air space; oxygen uptake rate; porosity; raw sludge; anaerobic digestion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2012.044160

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2012 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.56 - 68

Published online: 13 Dec 2014 *

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