Anaerobic reactor with auger in the effluent line

An upflow anaerobic reactor, comprising:

• a vessel having lower portion and an upper portion of the vessel;
• an effluent outlet coupled to the upper portion of the vessel for directing an effluent stream out of the vessel, wherein the effluent outlet includes a fluid-filled gas-trap having a fluid-air interface for preventing escape of biogas through the effluent outlet;
• an auger assembly operably coupled to the effluent outlet, wherein the auger assembly is positioned at or through the fluid air interface so as to disrupt solids that collect at the fluid-air interface;
• an inlet coupled to the lower portion of the vessel for introducing biodegradable matter into the vessel;
• and
• a gas outlet coupled to the upper portion of the vessel for collecting biogas produced in the vessel.

An upflow anaerobic reactor configured to contain a bacterial culture for biodegradation of biodegradable material and biogas production, the upflow anaerobic reactor comprising:

• a vessel having an upper portion and a lower portion;
• an effluent outlet coupled to the upper portion of the vessel for directing an effluent stream out of the vessel, wherein the effluent outlet includes a fluid-filled gas-trap having a fluid-air interface for preventing escape of biogas through the effluent outlet;
• a first auger device operably coupled to the effluent outlet, wherein the first auger device is configured to disrupt solid material in the effluent that collects at the fluid-air interface, the first auger device comprising a screw conveyor, a sleeve housing that at least partially surrounds the screw conveyor, and a drive assembly that rotates the screw conveyor;
• an inlet coupled to the lower portion of the vessel, wherein the inlet is configured for introducing biodegradable matter into the vessel;
• a gas outlet coupled to the upper portion of the vessel, wherein the gas outlet is configured for collecting biogas produced in the vessel;
• a septum having a central aperture, wherein the septum is positioned in the upper portion of the vessel to maintain a bacterial culture below the septum;
• and
• a second auger device operatively coupled to the vessel and positioned within the aperture so as to prevent clogging of the aperture.