Orhorhoro et al. (2019). A Comprehensive Review on Anaerobic Digestion.

Nigeria Journal of Engineering Science

Research, 2(1): 13-28
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factors, waste composition has huge effect on the process and operation parameters of AD
plants. Thus, a suitable plant for that particular environment should be used. In order to select
the best optimal strategy for AD plant, different parameters should be generated from the
operation and processing of the required substrates in the laboratory and fields. This will
enhance a better understanding, thus a better AD plant design (Orhorhoro, 2014).

Besides, AD plants can have one or more process stages, though most plants in used have just
one stage. An AD plant with two process stages is based on the fact that ideal process
conditions for hydrolysis and acidogenesis are different from acetogenesis and
methanogenesis. Therefore, the idea is to operate one digester under optimal conditions for
hydrolysis and acidogenesis, and the second digester operating under normal AD conditions
(Chen et al., 2012). There are several types of digester for AD process; some designed plants
have just one chamber for the stages of the AD plants, while others have two chambers, one for
hydrolysis and the other for the remaining two stages of the AD process. Generally, all AD
plants used for energy production have a liquid phase in which the substrate is digested and a
gas phase to collect the produced biogas (Osunde et al., 2017).

Fixed-Dome Anaerobic Digestion Plant

A fixed-dome anaerobic digestion plant consists of non-movable gas holder which sits on top
of the digester. Fixed-dome anaerobic digestion plants are operated by charging substrate
mixed with water as slurry into the digester through an entrance valve. The slurry flows by
gravity into the bottom of the digester. The lower part of the digester contains a layer of
biosolids and a layer of liquid above the biosolids (Boniface et al., 2017). In fixed-dome
anaerobic digestion plant, biogas is stored within the digester. Fixed-dome digesters are
usually constructed of masonry and must be air-tight. It is also constructed in an underground
pit that protects the structure, provides insulation, and provides open space for other uses
above ground (Peter et al., 2017). Fig. 4 shows fixed-dome AD plant.

Fig. 4: Fixed-dome AD plant

A. Advantages of Fixed-Dome Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Plant

Fixed dome anaerobic digestion plants have the following advantages:

i. Fixed-dome AD plants have no moving parts
ii. The cost of constructing fixed-dome AD plants are relatively low
iii. It has a lifespan of ten years and above.

B. Disadvantages of Fixed-Dome AD Plant

Fixed-dome AD plants have the following disadvantages:

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