Summer Course: Environmental Technology for the Treatment and Management of Bio-Waste Manure
Course code/no: K/KPBW-U1
Extent: 5 ECTS
Language: English
Course Schedule: Summer course, 20 – 31 August 2012 (both days included)
Application: 1 June 2012
Status
Elective course for master/postgraduate students and PhD students. Max. 25 participants
Location
University of Southern Denmark, Faculty of Engineering, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology. Niels Bohrs Allé 1, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark.
Course Prerequisites
The participants must hold a bachelor degree in natural resources, biology, chemistry, microbiology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering or similar applied sciences.
The participants should have a basic knowledge of statistical methods and of simple modelling (first order reactions, continuous mixed flow and plug flow models).
The participants must be proficient in written and oral English.
The participants need to bring a laptop computer, needed when solving assignments and working on a large case during the second week of the course period.
Objectives
The participants will achieve competences in analysing and developing environmentally friendly technological and whole system solutions for organic bio-waste utilisation and recycling to land, with a main focus on animal manures.
In particular, the participants will achieve competence in:
• Mass balance analysis of bio-waste element flows
• Selection of separation technologies
• Ensuring optimal use of specific biomasses and energy conversion technologies
• Identification and control measures of gas emission (ammonia, odour and greenhouses gases)
• Application of mathematical models for system analysis of biowaste management options
Course Abstract
The course is concerned with the management and treatment of bio-waste, with a major focus on animal manures (slurry, solid farmyard manure, deep litter, etc.) from livestock production.
Participation in the course will give students a fundamental understanding of technologies in the treatment of bio-waste that can alleviate the potential damage to the environment caused by livestock production. The student will achieve an ability to analyse and a capacity in presenting data and processes. The course will give insight and hands-on experience in the functionality of environmental technologies for the treatment of bio-waste, in particular animal manures.
Specific themes of the course will be:
• Separation of bio-waste slurries into a liquid fraction and a phosphorous and dry matter rich solid fraction through application of mechanical separation with or without additions of coagulants (iron and aluminium salts) and flocculants (polymers)
• Reactor technologies for biogas (methane) production from bio-waste material
• Composting of organic bio-waste materials for stabilisation and quality improvement
• Technologies for the reduction of the emission of odour, ammonia and greenhouse gases from stored bio-waste
• Bio-waste land application techniques to reduce ammonia emissions
• Sampling and analysis of bio-waste – for the assessment of nutrient mass balances and losses to the environment
• Biomass application to land for crop production, the mineral fertiliser value of the biomass.
• System analysis of biowaste management options with the use of mathematical models
Learning Outcomes
Through lectures, problem based case studies, laboratory experiments and reporting the participants will have acquired the skills to carry out:
• Energy and mass balance analysis of separation and composting of animal manure
• Laboratory training in the use of additives for enhancing separation of slurry
• Analysis of mass balance of biowaste treatment
• Whole system analysis of bio-waste management and cycling at the scale of the livestock farm
• Assessment of bio-waste management regulations effect on environmental impact
The course gives important competences for jobs in private or public advisory service, environmental technology industry R&D, public administration and international organisations, as well as teaching and research at college and university level.
Teaching Approach
Before the course commences (at least two weeks before) each student must write and submit a short report (5-10 pages) on home country manure management and regulation of animal waste use.
The on-campus part of the course will in the first week consist primarily of lectures, case-based exercises and hands-on laboratory work in teams of 3-5 persons. Through these activities the participants will be introduced to the available environmental technologies for treating bio-waste, to system analysis and mass balance modelling.
In the second week, the primary teaching format will be groupwork, in which the students define and carry out a project to analyse a particular biowaste treatment problem. The project must include a system analysis of the identified problem and suggested solutions.
Excursions to industries using biomass for energy production and using evironmental friendly technologies will also be included.
Course Assessment
Assessment will be based equally on all three parts (essay, group report and oral examination) and assessed according to the 7 points ECTS scale. There will be internal censorship based on a individual oral examination.
Course Responsible
Sven G. Sommer, Professor, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, University of Southern Denmark.
Email: SGS@kbm.sdu.dk
Tel. +45 6550 7359
Lars S. Jensen, Professor, Plant and Soil Science Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, DENMARK
Email: lsj@life.ku.dk
Tel. +45 3528 3470
Below please find additional information that in a revised form can be sent on request or uploaded on websites
Course literature/ Study material
Handouts and compendium.
Social and cultural programme
The student will participate in a tour to farms/industries having installed bio-energy technology.
Course tuition and fees
For non-EU citizen the tuition will be € 1160
For EU citizen or students from universities with exchange agreements with University of Southern Denmark there will be no fee.
Scholarships
Contact your university administration for information about scholarships.
Arrival & departure
Arrival and registration on Monday 20th of August 8,30 AM.
Departure on Friday the 31th of August 17,00 PM
Accommodation
Students can apply for accommodation at the following costs:
Accomodation 215 Dkr
Breakfast 50 Dkr
Dinner (evening) 115 Dkr
Please contact Ms. Majken Helsgaard
Academy of Agricultural Business Denmark (Dalum Landbrugsskole)
Landbrugsvej 65
DK-5260 Odense S
Phone. 0045 66132130
E-mail: dalumls@dalumls.dk