Original scientific paper

Composting of Tobacco Dust in Different Types of Reactors

N. Kopčić ; aFaculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Maruliæev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
M. Vukovuć Domanovac ; nkopcic@fkit.hr
Z. Đaković ; bFaculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
F. Briški ; aFaculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Maruliæev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

A pilot-scale reactor composting of tobacco dust was conducted to determine the feasibility of composting, nicotine removal and effect of intermittent stirring on the composting performance. Two experiments were carried out in a 240 dm3 packed bed reactor at airflow rate of 0.65 dm3min–1kgV Sinitial –1; without stirring (PBRNS); with periodical stirring (PBRS). The third experiment was conducted in a 200 dm3 horizontal reactor with stirrers (HRS) at air flow-rate of 0.38 dm3min–1 kgV Sinitial–1. Substrate was automatically agitated every 24 hours for 1 minute at 6.3 rpm. Nicotine was not detected in composting products and nicotine degrading bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens/putida was isolated during the process. At the end of the processes in PBRNS, PBRS and HRS conversions of the volatile matter were 50.6 % (at day
38), 53.0 % (at day 28) and 51.1 % (at day 29), respectively, suggesting that stirring increases the degradation rate of the selected substrate.

Keywords

Composting; tobacco dust; horizontal reactor; packed bed reactor; stirring

Hrčak ID:

99438

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/99438

Publication date:

29.3.2013.

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