Biogas Research Success with Automatic Monitoring

Automated biogas analysis has helped in a successful research project to determine methane gas yield from potatoes in an anaerobic digester. Data appear instantly on screen as collected and indicate the percentage of CH4, CO2 and H2S in the biogas so measuring its quality. These measurements can be used to calculate the biogas methane yield per tonne of organic dry matter. At Greenfinch, researcher Becky Arnold said, “Data readings every thirty minutes from the static biogas analyser enhanced our depth of knowledge and understanding of digester behaviour and response. It transformed data acquisition.”
Greenfinch used Geotech’s Automatic Extraction Monitoring System (AEMS) exclusively in a potato trial in a pilot-scale digester at its research facility in Ludlow.
Before using the automatic monitoring of the Geotech AEMS system set at 30-minute intervals, Greenfinch analysed biogas output volume and quality manually once a day before adding the potato feed to the digester. Now with 48 automated reading everyday for three months of the trial, Greenfinch biogas researchers were able to observe changes in the digester’s response 24 hours per day and specifically look at its response following feeding.
Becky Arnold said, “Once commissioned by Geotech their equipment ran faultlessly. It gave us all the data we needed on screen with Internet browsers in our offices or from anywhere we needed it at any time of day or night. When we had queries, support from Geotech was excellent.”
Looking at role of automatic biogas gas analysis and monitoring, Greenfinch confirmed one likely beneficial use for the AEMS is with CHP engines where very accurate and regular monitoring of H2S is needed in order to protect the engines. This also brings the benefit of constantly available data on the percentage ofmethane within the biogas. Given the significant investment in biogas plants and the ever-increasing value of the biogas, continuous monitoring may have much to offer to the bio-energy industry.