Biogas production from organic raw materials is a highly complex biotechnological process. The responsible anaerobic fermentation process is difficult to measure due to its multi-stage nature. Still, optimization of biogas production and the development of robust and efficient process management strategies require continually updated information about the process. Hence, the development of a comprehensive sensor system with high temporal resolution is key to further advancement in biogas technology. Dpstar’s instruments represent a response to this specific need, as they make it possible to optimize the entire process by maximizing energy output and minimizing operating costs.

What is Biogas?

Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, produced by the breakdown of organic waste by bacteria without oxygen (anaerobic digestion) from raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste and food waste. It is a renewable energy source. The biogas produced contains usually 50-65% methane, 35-50% carbon dioxide. However, the proportions of methane and carbon dioxide keep on varying with the duration and extent of biomethanation over retention time. In order to determine the thermal capacity of the biogas, it is important to know when and how much methane is produced at a given time. It is also important to determine the composition of the other gases in order to keep track of the quality of the gas as well as assessing its greenhouse effects.

Methane and CO2 concentration measurements are a key part of the evaluation of the anaerobic digestion process. Early gas detection through carbon dioxide and methane sensing is crucial to the evaluation of the efficiency of the Anaerobic Digestion process. Too high or too low gas concentration levels can indicate a change in the efficiency of the fermentation process. Anaerobic process control systems measure the Methane content (and often the CO2 content) of the gas stream to control or evaluate the anaerobic digestion process and warn of problems.

What is Biogas?

Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, produced by the breakdown of organic waste by bacteria without oxygen (anaerobic digestion) from raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste and food waste. It is a renewable energy source. The biogas produced contains usually 50-65% methane, 35-50% carbon dioxide. However, the proportions of methane and carbon dioxide keep on varying with the duration and extent of biomethanation over retention time. In order to determine the thermal capacity of the biogas, it is important to know when and how much methane is produced at a given time. It is also important to determine the composition of the other gases in order to keep track of the quality of the gas as well as assessing its greenhouse effects.

Methane and CO2 concentration measurements are a key part of the evaluation of the anaerobic digestion process. Early gas detection through carbon dioxide and methane sensing is crucial to the evaluation of the efficiency of the Anaerobic Digestion process. Too high or too low gas concentration levels can indicate a change in the efficiency of the fermentation process. Anaerobic process control systems measure the Methane content (and often the CO2 content) of the gas stream to control or evaluate the anaerobic digestion process and warn of problems.

Biogas Production Challenges

The Flammable Nature Of Methane

In biogas production plants, there are several areas where monitoring methane levels is crucial. For safety and environmental purposes, methane sensors are required throughout the plant to check for unwanted leaks. The concentration of CH₄ in a working plant at the fermenter varies between 50%-75%, which is well above the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) with the remaining gas being mostly CO₂ and Nitrogen. Due to the flammable nature of Methane (CH₄), the risk of asphyxiation from CO₂ and the risk of poisoning by H₂S, most plants also feature ambient air monitoring to protect personnel from any unplanned accumulation of leaked gas.

Failure To Make Productive Use Of Methane

Methane’s lifetime in the atmosphere is much shorter than carbon dioxide, it is more efficient at trapping radiation. Pound for pound, the comparative impact of methane on climate change is over 20 times greater than carbon dioxide. Instead of allowing it to be discharged into the air, it is important to take advantage of its potential as an excellent fuel. Failure to make productive use of methane is a waste in terms of both nature and economic resources.

Process Monitoring for Improved Efficiency

Continuous Real-Time Indicator

Monitoring the methane : carbon dioxide ratio, the plant operator is provided with a continuous real-time indicator of digester behavior and with the status of the digester’s microorganisms.

Adjust Loading Rate & Feedstock 

The methane and carbon dioxide data information can be used by the operator to adjust loading rate and feedstock type, if possible, in order to improve the status of the bacteria.

Optimize Engine Performance

Where an engine is using biogas, the measurements can be used to optimize engine performance.

Biomethane Upgrading
Process

Where the biogas is being refined for injection into the grid, the data can be used to inform the biomethane upgrading process.

Reduce Costly Laboratory Analysis

Can provide an accurate indication of process conditions. In-line monitoring of biogas methane and carbon dioxide therefore helps to reduce the requirement for costly laboratory analysis.

Dpstar’s Reliable Measurement Solution

The MGP261 is based on vaisala’s patented Carbocap technology which boasts a successful 20-year track record in infrared gas measurement. Vaisala is a global leader in industrial and environmental measurements with over 80 years of measurement expertise. Take control of your biogas quality the smart way with Vaisala.

Vaisala has developed a unique measurement probe for smart control of biogas quality – the MGP261 with methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor measurement. Thanks to its accurate and stable methane measurement, this compact and reliable 3-in-1 probe helps plant operators gain full control over their process and adjust engine operation to get the highest possible electrical output. It also enables operators to control humidity in order to reduce wear on engine parts and process components.

The MGP261 probe is Ex certified up to zone 0, and it can be installed in hazardous locations without any sampling lines, pumps, or moisture removal traps. Calibration is automatic, meaning no calibration gases are needed in routine operation.

Benefits

The Vaisala MGP260 family brings our robust science to help optimize your biogas production and upgrading. Reliable, always accurate and Ex certified. Robust construction meets automatic calibration and zero sampling equipment needed. Just a better process.

Superior stability

  • Supremely corrosion resistant with durable filter
  • Triple and dual gas optical measurement: CH4, CO2 &H2O (MGP261) and CH4 & CO2 (MGP262)
  • Auto-calibration cuts down expensive calibration work
  • The heated probe tolerates high humidity and cold

Install with ease

  • Easy to install in situ
  • Fits to any existing system
  • Ex certified
  • Integrates with distributed control systems

Operate with ease

  • Light and robust design
  • No sampling or moisture removal needed
  • No pumps or gas calibration cylinders

Biogas Related Products

Dpstar’s Reliable Measurement Solution

The MGP261 is based on vaisala’s patented Carbocap technology which boasts a successful 20-year track record in infrared gas measurement. Vaisala is a global leader in industrial and environmental measurements with over 80 years of measurement expertise. Take control of your biogas quality the smart way with Vaisala.

Vaisala has developed a unique measurement probe for smart control of biogas quality – the MGP261 with methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor measurement. Thanks to its accurate and stable methane measurement, this compact and reliable 3-in-1 probe helps plant operators gain full control over their process and adjust engine operation to get the highest possible electrical output. It also enables operators to control humidity in order to reduce wear on engine parts and process components.

The MGP261 probe is Ex certified up to zone 0, and it can be installed in hazardous locations without any sampling lines, pumps, or moisture removal traps. Calibration is automatic, meaning no calibration gases are needed in routine operation.

Benefits

The Vaisala MGP260 family brings our robust science to help optimize your biogas production and upgrading. Reliable, always accurate and Ex certified. Robust construction meets automatic calibration and zero sampling equipment needed. Just a better process.

Superior stability

  • Supremely corrosion resistant with durable filter
  • Triple and dual gas optical measurement: CH4, CO2 &H2O (MGP261) and CH4 & CO2 (MGP262)
  • Auto-calibration cuts down expensive calibration work
  • The heated probe tolerates high humidity and cold

Install with ease

  • Easy to install in situ
  • Fits to any existing system
  • Ex certified
  • Integrates with distributed control systems

Operate with ease

  • Light and robust design
  • No sampling or moisture removal needed
  • No pumps or gas calibration cylinders

Biogas Related Products

Words from our expert

Learn the benefits of continuous in-line methane and moisture measurement in the biogas process, as well as how to improve biogas plant revenues and efficiency while cutting downtime and repairs to a minimum.

Watch an interesting on-demand webinar for free at any time.

Watch Now

Words from our expert

Learn the benefits of continuous in-line methane and moisture measurement in the biogas process, as well as how to improve biogas plant revenues and efficiency while cutting downtime and repairs to a minimum.

Watch an interesting on-demand webinar for free at any time.

Watch Now

Get In Touch With Our Experts Today!

Dpstar Group
No 35, Jalan OP ½, Pusat Perdagangan One Puchong,
Off Jalan Puchong, 47160 Puchong,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us Now

Connect with Dpstar Group!
Follow Dpstar’s social media to stay updated with our latest news.