Jacob Shaun Dustin

US Patent:

7727396, Jun 1, 2010

Filed:

Dec 2, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/326710

Inventors:

Conly L. Hansen - North Logan UT, US
Carl S. Hansen - Garland UT, US
Edward D. Watts - North Logan UT, US
Kevin D. Pack - North Logan UT, US
Jacob Shaun Dustin - Logan UT, US
John C. Milligan - North Logan UT, US

Assignee:

Utah State University - Logan UT

International Classification:

C02F 3/28

US Classification:

210603, 210617

Abstract:

An upflow anaerobic reactor includes an effluent outlet configured to direct effluent out of the reactor and a fluid-filled gas trap configured to prevent loss of biogas from the vessel. An auger assembly is operably coupled to the effluent outlet to prevent clogging of the effluent outlet by solid matter that tends to collect in the effluent outlet. The auger assembly includes at least one helical screw conveyor that rotates so as to remove solid material that collects in the effluent outlet. auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor. The auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor.

US Patent:

7615155, Nov 10, 2009

Filed:

Aug 4, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/185692

Inventors:

Conly L. Hansen - North Logan UT, US
Carl S. Hansen - Garland UT, US
Edward D. Watts - North Logan UT, US
Kevin D. Pack - North Logan UT, US
Jacob Shaun Dustin - Logan UT, US

Assignee:

Utah State University - Logan UT

International Classification:

C02F 11/04
C02F 3/28

US Classification:

210603, 210616

Abstract:

Methods for steady state operation of an upflow anaerobic digester using organic matter that contains a portion of solid, non-digestible matter include (1) providing an upflow anaerobic digester, (2) providing a bacterial culture in the upflow anaerobic digester for the breakdown of organic matter, (3) introducing an influent into the upflow anaerobic digester, wherein the influent comprises a biodegradable component, a liquid component, and an amount of solid non-digestible matter, (4) operating the upflow anaerobic digester in a steady-state, (5) accumulating the solid, non-digestible matter in the upflow anaerobic digester, (6) and removing a portion of the accumulated solid, non-digestible matter from the upflow anaerobic digester through the bottom of the upflow anaerobic digester while maintaining steady-state operation of the upflow anaerobic digester. Steady-state operation of the upflow anaerobic digester is maintained by selecting a percentage of the total volume of the liquid and material that are flushed from the digester for a given period of time so as to preserve the steady-state of the bacterial culture.