S. M. Tauseef

Bio: S. M. Tauseef is an academic researcher from University of Petroleum and Energy Studies. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biogas & Anaerobic digestion. The author has an hindex of 16, co-authored 73 publications receiving 1184 citations. Previous affiliations of S. M. Tauseef include Pondicherry University.

Anaerobic digestion for global warming control and energy generation—An overview

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion often generates ‘biogas’ – an approximately 3:1 mixture of methane and carbon dioxide – which has been known to be a ‘clean’ fuel since the late 19th century. But a great resurgence of interest in biogas capture – hence methane capture – has occurred in recent years due to the rapidly growing spectre of global warming. Anthropogenic causes which directly or indirectly release methane into the atmosphere, are responsible for as much as a third of the overall additional global warming that is occurring at present. Hence the dual advantage of methane capture – generating energy while controlling global warming – have come to the fore. This paper presents an overview of the natural and the anthropogenic sources that contribute methane to the atmosphere. In this context it underscores the urgency with which the world must develop and enforce methods and practices to enhance methane capture.

CFD-based simulation of dense gas dispersion in presence of obstacles

Abstract: Quantification of spatial and temporal concentration profiles of vapor clouds resulting from accidental loss of containment of toxic and/or flammable substances is of great importance as correct prediction of spatial and temporal profiles can not only help in designing mitigation/prevention equipment such as gas detection alarms and shutdown procedures but also help decide on modifications that may help prevent any escalation of the event. The most commonly used models – SLAB ( Ermak, 1990 ), HEGADAS ( Colenbrander, 1980 ), DEGADIS ( Spicer & Havens, 1989 ), HGSYSTEM ( Witlox & McFarlane, 1994 ), PHAST ( DNV, 2007 ), ALOHA ( EPA & NOAA, 2007 ), SCIPUFF ( Sykes, Parker, Henn, & Chowdhury, 2007 ), TRACE ( SAFER Systems, 2009 ), etc. – for simulation of dense gas dispersion consider the dispersion over a flat featureless plain and are unable to consider the effect of presence of obstacles in the path of dispersing medium. In this context, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been recognized as a potent tool for realistic estimation of consequence of accidental loss of containment because of its ability to take into account the effect of complex terrain and obstacles present in the path of dispersing fluid. The key to a successful application of CFD in dispersion simulation lies in the accuracy with which the effect of turbulence generated due to the presence of obstacles is assessed. Hence a correct choice of the most appropriate turbulence model is crucial to a successful implementation of CFD in the modeling and simulation of dispersion of toxic and/or flammable substances. In this paper an attempt has been made to employ CFD in the assessment of heavy gas dispersion in presence of obstacles. For this purpose several turbulence models were studied for simulating the experiments conducted earlier by Health and Safety Executive, (HSE) U.K. at Thorney Island, USA ( Lees, 2005 ). From the various experiments done at that time, the findings of Trial 26 have been used by us to see which turbulence model enables the best fit of the CFD simulation with the actual findings. It is found that the realizable k – ɛ model was the most apt and enabled the closest prediction of the actual findings in terms of spatial and temporal concentration profiles. It was also able to capture the phenomenon of gravity slumping associated with dense gas dispersion.

Energy recovery from wastewaters with high-rate anaerobic digesters

Abstract: Biodegradable wastewaters contribute as much as 6% of all anthropogenic methane emissions. High-rate anaerobic digesters have the potential to treat such wastewaters efficiently as well as enable capture of methane for use as a relatively clean energy source. This paper traces the evolution of high-rate anaerobic digester technology and provides an overview of its present capabilities. It also makes out a case for an accelerated shift from energy-intensive aerobic processes to anaerobic processes which are not only more energy-efficient but enable global warming control by methane capture.

A Brief History of Anaerobic Digestion and “Biogas”

Abstract: This chapter briefly traces the history of anaerobic digestion from the time the existence of this phenomenon was first recorded four centuries ago to its rapidly increasing popularity at present. The extent of adaptation of biogas technology across the world is also briefly reviewed. Whereas China and India lead the initiative from among developing countries, the thrust of the developed world is mainly coming from Western Europe.

Review on research achievements of biogas from anaerobic digestion

Abstract: With the rising demand for renewable energy and environmental protection, anaerobic digestion of biogas technology has attracted considerable attention within the scientific community. This paper presents a comprehensive review of research achievements on anaerobic digestion developments for biogas production. The review includes a discussion of factors affecting efficiency (temperature, pH, C/N ratio, OLR and retention time), accelerants (greenery biomass, biological pure culture and inorganic additives), reactors (conventional anaerobic reactors, sludge retention reactors and anaerobic membrane reactors) and biogas AD processes (lignocellulose waste, municipal solid waste, food waste, livestock manure and waste activated sludge) based on substrate characteristics and discusses the application of each forementioned aspect. The factors affecting efficiency are crucial to anaerobic digestion, because they play a major role in biogas production and determine the metabolic conditions for microorganism growth. As an additive, an accelerant is not only regarded as a nutrient resource, but can also improve biodegradability. The focus of reactor design is the sufficient utilization of a substrate by changing the feeding method and enhancing the attachment to biomass. The optimal digestion process balances the optimal digest conditions with the cost-optimal input/output ratio. Additionally, establishment of theoretical and technological studies should emphasize practicality based on laboratory-scale experiments because further development of biogas plants would allow for a transition from household to medium- and large-scale projects; therefore, improving stability and efficiency are recommended for advancing AD research.