Development of multi-phase and multi-component dynamic simulation model for composting processes

Aerobic composting is an effective process for solid waste treatment. However, there has been a lack of in-depth research on the simulation for such dynamic process. A multi-phase and multi-component dynamic simulation model is developed, reflecting inherent dynamics in solid, liquid and gas phases. The model contains a variety of physical, chemical and biological sub-models in describing the fate of organic solid waste in aerobic processes, such as non-equilibrium interphase mass transfer, sorption, decay and microbiological reactions. The relations between various control factors (e. g. temperature, rates of oxygen and nutrition addition and pressure) and compost maturity indicators (e. g. C/N, bulk density, humus content and TOC level) can be quantified for supporting further process control and operation.