Operating a biogas plant is a big commitment, but the work comes with a sizeable reward. Unlike other renewable energy sources, biogas is largely independent of external influences such as wind or sunlight. As a stable form of renewable energy, the demand for biogas is continually on the rise. Canadian programs like Ontario&rsquo;s feed-in-tariff are continually developed to encourage the use and production of renewable energy sources in each province. The use of renewable raw materials to produce energy sources provides a unique opportunity for farms across Canada, but how can an operator tell whether it is getting all that it can from its plant?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What&rsquo;s in Your Gas? In order for a biogas plant to be considered ecological, economical, and safe to operate, it is crucial to know the exact composition and levels of the biogas produced. The analysis of biogas can be carried out with either mobile multigas detectors or a stationary measuring device. Detection technology must be capable of discovering various gases with different properties. This feature of detection devices is particularly important to the safety of the plant and to the production efficiencies within your system. Without such technology, operating a plant can be fatal.&nbsp; For this reason, a comprehensive operating system is necessary in every plant. The advantage of mobile gas detectors lies in the ability to measure the composition and ranges of the biogas at various points throughout the plant. This technology is predominantly useful for ensuring consistency throughout the plant. In most cases, it is possible to store the measurements internally on the device before transferring to a computer for analysis. Stationary devices are user-friendly and low-maintenance, but can limit the amount of locations for composition testing. Anaerobic digestion, the process in which mediums like manure are converted into gas, produces a variety of byproducts, including gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen. These gases can be odorless, which disguises dangerous properties during production. Even in small concentrations, the dangers range from irritation of the eyes, to nausea, to potential fatality through asphyxiation. Gas detection equipment is designed specifically to protect you, as well as the environment, from harmful emissions. Check for Leaks, Regularly To further enhance efficiency of the systems and to reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases, it is imperative to check the entire plant regularly for leaks and structural defects. Leaks in a system mean two things: First, not all biogas is being converted successfully, and second, environmentally harmful emissions have the potential to make the plant hazardous. Running a system below optimal capacity simply means less energy to produce, and therefore, less to use or sell. Plants need to be inspected in all areas, including pipes, flanges, transitions and seals. Portable leak detection devices are beneficial to minimizing emissions of climate-impacting greenhouse gases, as well as ensuring the plant is containing the maximum amount of gas. These portable devices are easy to use, and highly effective in optimizing the efficiency of your plant. Pay Attention to Self-Protection One thing that is often underestimated in biogas plants is self-protection. Biogas can have dramatic consequences to operators and workers if not handled properly. Safety devices are available, both for personal protection and other security-related functions such as free-measuring shafts. These devices can be calibrated to detect specific concentrations of gas at only a few parts-per-million, which are undetectable without specialized equipment. Gases such as methane, the most common gas produced in biogas plants, can be odorless, and thus extremely hazardous to the human body, containing explosive and asphyxiating properties. Having equipment on hand to detect such gases is essential to the safety of the plant, and most importantly, the workers. Technology Supports You Biogas testing technology is available to help operators achieve the highest possible plant efficiency, while contributing to the reduction of emissions that can be harmful to the environment. Devices designed for leak detection, quality inspection and self-protection are continuously being developed in order to benefit any size of plant. Expanding the presence of this technology will continue to increase the demand for renewable energy in Canada, and the reward for the people who produce it. Can you be sure you are getting the most out of your biogas plant? Author: Dominik Klaus Product Manager, Hermann Sewerin GmbH 49-5241-934-237 dominik.klaus@sewerin.com

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The use of renewable raw materials to produce energy sources provides a unique opportunity for farms across Canada, but how can an operator tell whether it is getting all that it can from its plant?    

Optimizing a Biogas Plant

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