Is the relatively small size of IBR tanks compared to large conventional digesters disadvantageous?
On the contrary, the small tank size is advantageous. First, as noted above, more “microbiological work” is done per unit of IBR volume than in other anaerobic digestion methods (IBR gives more bang for the volumetric buck). Second, multiple IBR tanks are configured for parallel processing, Thus, individual tanks can be taken out of service for routine cleaning and maintenance without interrupting overall processing. This is significant in that all digesters must be cleaned occasionally, with the frequency depending on the feed quality. Cleaning large diameter CSTR and UASB tanks can take months. An IBR tank is cleaned in a day, with quick return to service and gas production.
