Resum

This work covers a study on livestock contamination in a rural municipality, the technological adaptation of the conventional anaerobic reactors for treating pig manure on farms for use on an industrial scales, and the preliminary experiences of a pilot digester pit at low temperature.

The first phase of the study consisted of a global analysis a rural municipality dedicated preliminary to agricultural and livestock activities and having a typical production of waste matter. This study covered the population, the physical environment, the activities and the issue of livestock waste matter along with its impact on the environment.

Quantification and characterization of the livestock waste matter were affected as well as how its was being handled from storage to disposal.

Management and treatment actions for livestock waste matter have been proposed with a view to minimizing its impact on the environmental in rural areas.

Where livestock waste treatment are concerned, a study was carried out on the general features of the anaerobic digestion facilities in Catalonia (Spain), later making a follow up on four of them where pig manure is treated on an industrial scale.

The problems involved in the function of these facilities were studied, observing gas escapes from those under study plus degradation of the gasometers, obstructions in the pipes, the use of inadequate equipment and the inhibition of digestion.

The degree of purification at these facilities was assessed, with its being equal or inferior to fifty percent.

In the final stage of this study, research undertaken on anaerobic digestion at low temperature.

A study was made of the design and engineering of the pilot digester pit in terms cost, control of construction, the mechanisms to be installed, civil works, installation of gas and electricity and means of scientific control.

The start up of the digester pit was been assessed by applying a conventional inoculators, later observing the feasibility of this process.

Additional energy and thermographic studies of the facility were also made. A lower consumption of electricity than in conventional facilities was observed, as well as the fact of there being no thermal bridges in the digester pit.

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