ABSTRACT
The liquefaction process for the first stage of anaerobic methane fermentation process was used as a way to utilize soybean meal (Okara) which is a byproduct of soybean processing. Four continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR) for liquefaction were continuously fed Okara slurry. After they reached steady state, data was obtained to determine the process applicability and kinetic parameters for the process simulation. The liquefaction ratio of Okara solid as 67% to 83% and high product concentrations as 6.16 to 10.32 g-VA/L in the CSTR's indicated that the process was applicable to utilize Okara for its biogasification. According to the material balance and kinetic models for the CSTR, relationships between the operational condition and the reactor characteristics were established. A maximum microorganism density about 18 g-VSS/L and product concentration about 10 g-VA/L were produced in the CSTR's with the shorte critical HRT about 10 days with the loading rate 33 g-Okara/L-d.HomePageKeywords: anaerobic methane fermentation process, liquefaction, resource utilization, soybean meal, kinetic model