System Parameter Analysis of a Biogas-Powered Faecal Sludge Pasteuriser

This bachelor’s thesis investigates the design parameters of a self-sustained, biogas-powered faecal sludge pasteuriser, a technology intended to inactivate pathogens in the effluent of anaerobic digestion and support progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6. Building on prior systems developed by Forbis-Stokes et al. and Jaeggi, the author models three generic pasteuriser configurations, covering heater, heat exchanger, and holding sub-systems, and performs a sensitivity analysis of the underlying design parameters. The heater is identified as the most sensitive component, followed by the heat exchanger and ambient temperature. Results indicate that custom-designed heater and heat exchanger components can improve performance, though higher heat exchanger efficiency may slow start-up and reduce operational flexibility.