Black Swan
Configurable multi-stage anaerobic digesters
The Black Swan allows laboratories to experiment with multi-stage anaerobic digestion, the standard configuration is 2 stages. Researchers can match the HRT to the AD stages to study: hydrolysis, VFA production, nutrient recovery and microbial activity - with full control over your experimental conditions.
- Continuous operation
- 4 parallel, 2-stage experiments
- Automatic feeding
- Automatic gas measurement
Choose a configuration that works for your research
Black Swan is Anaero’s laboratory scale solution to multi-stage anaerobic digestion. Researchers can configure the feeding rate and reactor setup, to separate the AD process between multiple reactors in series. Users can use the Black Swan to simulate various digestion systems including 2-stage, thermophilic-mesophilic, and post-digestion.
The standard configuration features 4 parallel digester streams, each one with independent feeding, a 1L first stage reactor, and a 5L second stage reactor. It is a continuous system, with fully automatic feeding, and an easy-to-empty effluent bottle.
The reactors operate on an “overspill” principle, where excess content spills from the 1st reactor, to the second reactor, to the effluent bottle.
- Feeding syringe
- 1st stage reactor
- 2nd stage reactor
- Effluent bottle
Applications for 2-stage digestion
Hydrogen production
Explore hydrogen production in a multi-stage anaerobic digestion setup, with control over feeding, retention time and temperature in each stage.
VFA control
Investigate how feeding regimes and stage conditions affect volatile fatty acid production and the performance of subsequent digestion stages.
Nutrient Recovery
Compare different feedstocks and operating conditions to investigate nutrient recovery within a multi-stage digestion process.
Microbial Dynamics
Study how temperature, retention time and feeding conditions influence microbial activity across the stages of anaerobic digestion.
Key features
Four parallel experiments
Run four independent digester streams, each with a first-stage and second-stage reactor.
Configurable stages
Arrange reactors in series to suit your research, with options for additional stages and reactor sizes.
Automatic feeding
Configure each stream's feeding rate using its own automatic feeder.
Continuous operation
Fresh feed moves through the reactors by overspill, with excess digestate collected in an easy-to-empty effluent bottle.
Independent temperature control
Each reactor has its own heater jacket to maintain your chosen temperature.
Mixing and agitation
Reactor mixers keep the contents mixed, while agitators homogenise the incoming feedstock.
Automatic gas measurement
The included 15-cell gas flow meter automatically measures gas production during your experiments.
PLC control included
Set up and manage your experiments with the included PLC control panel.
A complete experimental platform
Automatic gas measurement
The included gas flow meter automatically measures the gas production of each reactor, using water displacement, so you can track the performance of your multi-stage experiments.
Included software. Accessible data.
Your gas-production measurements are automatically logged and stored. Use the included software to extract your data at any point via a USB connection to your laptop.
Inside the Black Swan
4x 1st Stage Reactors
The robust stainless steel reactors provide the non-reactive environment for anaerobic digestion. Enquire for different reactor volumes.
4x 2nd Stage Reactors
Four 5L reactors receive digestate from the first stage for continued digestion.
1L Effluent Bottle
The easily removable effluent bottle collects the excess digestate to avoid pressure build ups and spillages.
Automatic Feeder Syringe
The patented feeder syringe feeds the reactor at your programmed rate. It prevents backflow from the reactor and a full syringe feeds for about a week.
Mixer motor
Each reactor comes with a 20 rpm motor which constantly mixes the inside of the reactors.
Heater Jacket
The custom fit heater jackets maintain a consistent, programmable temperature inside the reactor.
Agitator Motor
To ensure homogenous feed, the agitator mixes the feedstock coming up from the feeding syringe.
Technical Specification
| Feeding type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Number of reactors | 8 (4 per stage) |
| Number of automatic feeders | 4 |
| Stages of AD | 2 (extra stages possible) |
| Reactor volume | 1 / 2 / 5 / 10 L |
| Effluent bottle | 1 L |
| Temperature control | Ambient – 85°C |
| Agitators and mixers | Agitators 900 rpm, mixers 20 rpm |
| Mixer motor | 24V DC |
|---|---|
| Heater jacket | 110V AC, 150W |
| PLC control screen | 110V AC |
| Data logger | Arduino, 9V DC |
Optional extras
- Further stages (up to 4)
- Reactor sizes (1, 2, 5, 10L)