Automatic Feeding
Caterpillar
10 automatically-fed reactors for AD research
The Caterpillar Set
Compare the biogas production of various non-fibrous substances, or the effects of additives, with the 10 automatically-fed 1L reactors. 1L reactors are optimised for high through-put testing of homogenous substances such as liquid food waste or industrial effluents.
With 10 reactors there are countless configurations of variables you can test, such as different OLRs, types of feedstocks and additives. Our automatic feeding technology ensures that these tests are as close to the operation of a full-scale plant as you can achieve in your lab, giving you applicable and significant data.
Open source data logging
Our open source Arduino data logger records and stores the gas production data measured by the gas flow meter. When an event happens in the gas flow meter, a reed switch circuit is closed which is logged by the data logger. The BMP280 pressure sensor and thermocouple inform the data logger to automatically convert any gas volumes to STP. Data is easily extracted at any time through USB connection with any computer.
Easy operation
After the initial setup, simply top up your feeding syringe when it runs out (roughly weekly), and empty your effluent bottles to prevent pressure building in your reactor (roughly twice a week).
Use real feed for realistic AD
Replicate industrial anaerobic digestion as closely as possible by using real feedstocks, as opposed to dilutions or synthetic mixes. The robust stainless steel reactors withstand all feedstocks.
10x 1L Reactors
you have the freedom to test different feedstocks, conditions, or additives. 1L reactors are well suited to low total solid feedstocks (<12%)
2 Automatic Feeders
experiment with different feeding rates, to model your response to changes in gas production
Inside the Caterpillar
10x 1L Reactors
The robust stainless steel reactors provide the non-reactive environment for anaerobic digestion. Enquire for different reactor volumes.
250ml Effluent Bottle
The easily removable effluent bottle collects the excess digestate to avoid pressure build ups and spillages.
Automatic Feeder Syringe
The patented feeder syringe feeds the reactor at your programmed rate. It prevents backflow from the reactor and a full syringe feeds for about a week.
Mixer motor
Each reactor comes with a 20 rpm motor which constantly mixes the inside of the reactors.
Heater Jacket
The custom fit heater jackets maintain a consistent, programmable temperature inside the reactor.
Agitator Motor
To ensure homogenous feed, the agitator mixes the feedstock coming up from the feeding syringe.
15-cell Gas Flow Meter
Custom 15-cell gas flow meter measures gas production in ~10ml increments (subject to calibration).
Technical Specification
| Feeding type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Reactors, 1st stage | 10 |
| Reactors, 2nd stage | 0 |
| Number of automatic feeders | 2 |
| Reactor volume | 1 L |
| Gas flow meter | 15-cell |
| Effluent bottle | 0.25 L |
| Temperature control | Ambient – 85°C |
| Agitators and mixers | Agitators 900 rpm, mixers 20 rpm |
| Mixer motor | 24V DC |
|---|---|
| Heater jacket | 110V AC, 85W |
| PLC control screen | 110V AC |
| Data logger | Arduino, 9V DC |
Optional extras
- Larger reactor sizes (enquire)
- Pressure valve for higher pressures inside reactor
- pH probe