Lobster
Automatically-fed laboratory digesters to replicate full-scale AD operation
The Lobster allows you to replicate full-scale anaerobic digestion in the lab, with fully automatically fed digesters. Select your feeding rate to test OLR/retention time, the effects of additives, and long-term gas production.
- Continuous operation.
- Fully automatic feeding.
- Gas production automatically measured.
Replicate full-scale AD operation
A key variable in full-scale anaerobic digestion is the feeding rate, which is adjusted to optimise reactor health and biomethane production. Automatic feeding avoids spikes in gas production, producing a more consistent gas production profile which closely represents the full scale operation, even at the microbial scale — you don’t cycle between overfeeding and starvation.
Our most popular solution for automatic feeding is the Lobster. With six 5L reactors and two automatic feeders, you can simultaneously test 2 different feeding rates across multiple reactors, seeing the effects of additives or new feedstocks on your gas production.
Fully automatic feeding vs "Continuous" (manual) feeding
Smaller feeding shocks → more representative gas-production profile
Fully automatic feeding.
- Reduce daily handling — each feeder typically requires refilling only once per week.
- Replicate the feeding schedule of real AD plants.
- Program feeding intervals and organic loading rate directly from the control system.
- Two independent feeders let you compare different loading strategies simultaneously.
Key features
Run two feeding rates
Compare two feeding strategies at once using independent automatic feeders.
Six 5 L reactors
Run parallel experiments with different feedstocks, additives or conditions.
Temperature control
Maintain your chosen reactor temperature with programmable heater jackets.
Continuous operation
Add feed and collect excess digestate automatically for long-term experiments.
Mixing and Agitation
Keep reactor contents mixed throughout your experiment with dedicated mixer motors.
Sampling ports
Access reactor contents for sampling during your experiments.
Automatic gas measurement
Automatically measure and record gas production from your reactors.
Use real feedstock
Use real feedstocks to make laboratory tests representative of full-scale operation.
Inside the Lobster
6x 5L Reactors
The robust stainless steel reactors provide the non-reactive environment for anaerobic digestion. Enquire for different reactor volumes.
1L 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.
Technical Specification
| Feeding type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Number of reactors | 6 |
| Number of automatic feeders | 2 |
| Reactor volume | 5 L (options available) |
| Effluent bottle | 1 L |
| Temperature control | Ambient – 85°C |
| Agitators and mixers | Agitators 900 rpm, mixers 20 rpm |
| Motor | 24V DC |
|---|---|
| Heater jacket | 110V AC, 150W |
| 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
Frequently asked questions
How often will I have to feed my digester?
It depends on your configured feeding rate. The feeding syringe can hold 1.4 L of feedstock. For most clients using reactors with a 5 L working volume, this lasts around 7 days.
I have a dry feedstock, will this work with the feeding syringe?
Your feedstock has to be homogeneous to work with the automatic feeder. We have used feed with up to 19% dry solids (DS) content effectively. If you have specific concerns, contact us and we'd be happy to help.
How is the gas volume measured?
The Lobster comes with one of our gas flow meters included. They work on the principle of water displacement, and the data is automatically logged and stored. You can extract the data at any point via a laptop USB connection.
