Latest Analytical Technology Used to Ensure Biogas Efficiency

At Viridors’ Resource Recovery facilities in Stockport, the team uses Hach Lange (UK) instruments to closely monitor the entire process and to ensure that the plant's bacteria are provided with optimal conditions. These tests include chloride, pH, alkalinity and volatile fatty acids; the ratio of the latter two being the same as the FOS/TAC ratio, which is determined by a Hach Lange TIM Biogas titrator. In addition, samples are taken from the feed, the digesters and the effluent to monitor ammonia and COD with a Hach Lange spectrophotometer, ensuring compliance with the plant's discharge consent.

The Reliance Street plant utilises biogas to generate electricity and the residue from the AD process can be defined as a product rather than a waste because it complies with the BSI PAS110 Quality Protocol for Anaerobic Digestate (partly as a result of the monitoring that is undertaken).