Batch + continuous reactors
Medusa
Run batch reactors alongside continuous, automatically fed reactors to see how feedstock potential translates into performance under realistic operating conditions — revealing how continuous loading, microbial acclimatisation and long-term process stability affect gas production.
- 15 parallel 1 L reactors
- 5 batch + 10 automatically fed
- 2 independent feeding rates
Compare batch potential with long-term performance — on one platform.
What is the feedstock's methane potential?
5 Batch reactors running in parallel, allow the user to test BMP/RBP.
How does the process perform under continuous feeding?
10 Reactors run in continuous mode, with automatic feeders.
How will the organic loading rate (OLR) or retention time affect my reactors?
Experiment with different feeding strategies by changing the controls straight from the PLC controller.
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
Programmable feeder
Automates feeding events at the rate you set, for about a week per fill.
2 independent feeders
Powering 10 syringes, they let you operate different feeding rates at one time.
15 reactors in parallel
Five batch and ten automatically fed, running side by side in one machine.
Uniform temperature and mixing
The same mixing rate and the same temperature in all fifteen reactors.
Automatic gas measurement and logging
Automatic measurement and recording, converted to standard conditions.
Feed in, Effluent out
The continuous reactors work on a spill-out principle — as feed goes in, excess digestate spills out into the effluent bottle.
Substrate homogenisation
As substrate is injected into the reactors, an agitator blade ensures the feed is well mixed.
Software included
Easily export your gas production data as a CSV file.
Inside the Medusa
- Mixer motorMixes all 15 reactors at the same 20 rpm.
- Agitator MotorKeeps the feed homogenous on its way out of the syringe.
- Patented GearboxOur patented gearbox mechanism allows one motor to mix all 15 reactors for perfect consistency.
- 5x Batch-fed ReactorsThe same 1 L HDPE reactors, fed once at the start.
- 10x Auto-fed ReactorsNon-reactive HDPE, each tested for gas tightness.
- Automatic Feeder SyringeFeeds at your programmed rate; a fill lasts about a week.
- 250ml Effluent BottleCollects excess digestate, so nothing builds up or spills.
- Water bathHolds every reactor at temperature, up to 85°C.
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 |
|---|---|
| Batch reactors | 5 |
| Continuous reactors | 10 |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Waterbath | 110/230V |
| PLC control screen | 110V AC |
| Data logger | Arduino, 9V DC |