Lime Use in Anaerobic Filters

The establishment and maintenance of conditions suitable for optimum biological metabolism plays a larger role in the success or failure of anaerobic reactors than other factors such as loading rate. The parameters of pH, temperature, alkalinity, and volatile acids need special attention. The optimum pH and alkalinity for methane fermentation is commonly reported to be 7.0 and 2,000 mg/1respectively. The concentration of volatile acids is generally well below 2,000 mg/1 when the system is in balance. Unbalanced conditions frequently occur during the start-up of an anaerobic reactor and when conditions abruptly change.