Early Warning of Disturbances in a Laboratory-Scale MSW Biogass Process

The dynamics of a biogas process were evaluated by use of near-infrared spectrosocpy and multivariate data analysis. The completely stirred tank reactor was fed the organic fraction of source-separated municipal solid waste, and the system was intermittently overloaded with feed. System dynamics after overloading were represented by principal component analysis of the obtained infrared spectra, and the response to changes in digester fluid was reproducible and could be detected within 5 min. Near-infrared spectroscopic monitoring of propionate offers potential as an early warning biogas contol approach.