Her research results show that a simple reactor of textile materials works well in dry digestion of solid waste, such as chicken feathers, citrus peels, manure, and straw. The microorganisms that break down the waste eventually adapt to the dry material so the process goes faster.

“In another type of reactor, a tube-like plug flow reactor suitable for continuous processes where waste is continuously fed, it is possible to shorten the digestion time as long as you feed the right amount of material”, says Regina Jijoho Patinvoh. “I have investigated the limits for the optimal amount of material.”

Cost-effective textile reactor suitable for dry digestion

Regina Jijoho Patinvo tells that the textile reactor is developed by the textile company FOV Fabrics AB in collaboration with the University of Borås, and that it is suitable for small-scale production of biogas, for example in developing countries. It looks like a flat, oblong pillow with a completely air and waterproof zipper along its entire length.

“This reactor is small, light, and you don’t need expert knowledge to use it. Just feed the waste mixed with a bit of digestion sludge and zip it up. The biogas production will start, causing the reactor to swell up like a balloon. The gas is let out through a hose. When there’s no more gas coming out, you take out the residue and feed with more waste.”

These types of reactors are usually used for traditional digestion with lots of water, but the fact that it is also suitable for dry digestion is beneficial since the water and energy consumption decreases and the residue becomes lighter.

“This makes it possible for households, neighbourhoods, or societies to extract their own biogas which they can use for running their stove or use as electricity. At the same time, they get rid of a lot of their waste.”

The microorganisms breaking down the material are usually accustomed to working in damp environments, but they gradually adapt to the new, drier environment. This is why the process may be slow at first when you use dry materials, but it will speed up once the microorganisms adapt to the dry environment.

Regina Jijoho Patinvoh has mostly used chicken feathers, manure with straw content, and citrus peels, separate and in different mixes. If the materials are stiff, they need to be pre-treated with chemicals, heat, or bacteria. After the digestion, the residue can be used as biological fertilisers.

✅Reference