VFA and LCFA concentrations?

  • VFA and LCFA concentrations?

    Posted by Dave on 4 March 2026 at 10:01 pm

    Curious what benchmark or threshold total-VFA and / or total-LCFA concentrations values folks consider to be triggers for further investigation or action when operating their AD plants?

    Vanita replied 1 day, 20 hours ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
  • 1 Reply
  • Vanita

    Member
    5 March 2026 at 3:58 am

    Total VFA concentration above 2,000–4,000 mg/L (as acetic acid) or a VFA/Alkalinity ratio (FOS/TAC) above 0.3–0.4. More then 0.4 ratio indicates High risk of acidification/failure; immediate reduction in organic loading rate (OLR) is required. Long-Chain Fatty Acids (LCFAs) are particularly dangerous as they can cause sludge flotation (washout) and inhibit methane bacteria. Recommended Concentrations around 150-250 mg/L of LCFAs.

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