4. Industrial examples

4.1 Infinitely mixed digester

The Saint-Laurent de Cognac site boasts one of the largest and oldest industrial methanizers in France. Since distillery vinasse is a major source of organic pollution, an anaerobic treatment process was set up in 1984 to process vinasse from the distilleries in the Cognac vineyards (around 1,400).

Initially comprising 2 infinitely mixed downflow methanizers (manufacturer: SGN, Saint Gobain Technologies Nouvelles), the plant's capacity was subsequently increased with the construction of 2 further methanizers in 1990.

The technical description...