Retention time analyses and reactor diagnostics

Elsinga Policyplanning and Innovation has, for the purpose of reactor optimization and validation of continuously operated treatment processes, wide experience with retention time analyses studies. In these studies we apply carefully selected, safe tracers.

Retention time analyses is important for the determination of the minimal guaranteed retention time (MGRT) inside a sanitation-unit, but also to check for the presence of short-circuit flows inside the plug-flow reactors. These can seriously reduce the biogas production potential. It is therefore a powerful tool to diagnose the reactor in terms of efficiency. Retention time analyses can therefore be used to judge performance in terms of biogas yield and can identify technical optimization opportunities (mixers, baffels etc) to improve equal material flow.