Optimization of semi-continuous dry anaerobic digestion process and biogas yield of dry yellow corn straw: Based on "gradient anaerobic digestion reactor".

[Display omitted] • The Continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) has a "short-circuit" problem. • The Gradient anaerobic digestion reactor (GADR) can solve the problem of CSTR. • GADR can stably carry out semi-continuous dry anaerobic digestion. • GADR can improve the biogas yield of straw raw materials that are unique to China. • The biogas production efficiency and microbial community were analyzed. In China, the problem of low biogas yield of traditional biogas projects has become increasingly prominent. This study investigated the effects of different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) on the biogas production efficiency and microbial community under pilot conditions. The results show that the "Gradient anaerobic digestion reactor" can stably carry out semi-continuous dry anaerobic digestion and improve biogas yield. The highest volatile solids (VS) biogas yield (413.73 L/kg VS and 221.61 L CH 4 /kg VS) and VS degradation rate (48.41%) were observed at an HRT of 25 days. When the HRT was 15 days, the volumetric biogas yield was the highest (2.73 L/L/d, 1.43 L CH 4 /L/d), but the VS biogas yield and degradation rate were significantly decreased. Microbial analysis showed that HRT significantly affected microbial community. It provides basic data support for the development of a new anaerobic digestion process and the practical application of the straw biogas project in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]