Simulation of Composting Reaction

Hidehiro Kaneko*, Kimiaki Hirayama* and Kenji Fujita**
* Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yamanashi University
** Japan Waterworks Research Center
+ Correspondence should be addressed to Hidehiro Kaneko:
(4-3-11, Takeda, Kofu 400-8511, Japan)

Abstract
Composting is one of the most popular waste treatment and recycling methods. However it is impossible to judge the possibility of composting of a new material without conducting any experiment. It is also theoretically difficult to find optimum operational conditions for composting.
In order to solve these difficulties, simulation is considered as one of useful methods. In this paper, simulation of composting reaction was attempted by consolidating experimental data which attempted to clarify the effects of operational and environmental conditions on composting kinetics. Validity and limitation of simulation was discussed by comparing its result with experimental results. How to collect important data pertaining to conditions to simulate composting is also discussed Information concerning composting material necessary to conduct simulation and how to in conclusion, it was shown that simulation of composting reaction is a useful tool in understanding composting reactions.

Key words: composting, simulation, organic solid waste