Biogas is an emerging alternative to fossil fuels as a source of energy for heating, electricity generation, vehicle fuel, and other applications. The production is based on anaerobic digestion, a process where microorganisms decompose food, agricultural and industrial waste under low oxygen conditions. It also produces a nutrient-rich leftover material, digestate, that can be used as fertilizer.
As the biogas industry develops around the world, technology from Atlas Copco Group is playing a vital role.
Oxygen is key
Although anaerobic digestion suggests an absence of oxygen, oxygen generators have a significant part to play in the process. Providing oxygen at between 90 to 95% purity helps reduce the formation of hydrogen sulfide in the digester. Also known as H2S, it’s very corrosive and can damage equipment and pipelines, affecting the renewable natural gas produced from the biogas.
“You also need compressed air to feed the oxygen generator, and one of our biggest innovations is the OGP+, a premium oxygen generator with a complete end-to-end system including an air compressor and dryers/filtration,” says Arron Farghaly, Global Product Manager for gas generation in Atlas Copco Group’s Compressor Technique business area.
Farghaly says these products are evidence of the successful focus on application-driven innovation.
“By getting close to our customers we can understand the overall scope of their needs. That’s what led to the OGP+, as well as a basic model developed for customers who don’t need the full range of features.”
Left image: Atlas Copco supplies oxygen generation equipment to the Leeming Biogas plant, which deploys anaerobic digestion to turn food waste into biomethane.
Right image: A GA15FF rotary screw compressor provides air to the oxygen generator that enables the biogas process.
A reliable piece of equipment
A shining example can be found at the Leeming Biogas plant in North Yorkshire, England, run by Iona Management Services – a key player in UK renewables. The plant uses food waste products as its feedstock and deploys anaerobic digestion techniques to generate biomethane, which is then injected into the national gas grid and produce electricity on-site.
“The original oxygen generator we provided almost a decade ago is still playing a critical role in their production of biogas,” says Andrew Butler, Business Development Manager for Industrial Gases at Atlas Copco Group.
“It has now run for more than 62,000 hours, which has eliminated the need for oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen, which produce waste.”
Ready for what comes next
“We don’t just sell the equipment and leave it with the customer. Our equipment is built to last, and we have support teams who help them maintain and service the equipment to keep it running effectively,” adds Lewis Gordon, Business Development Engineer, Atlas Copco Group.
“Our applications strategy is keeping us close to the changing needs. We understand what’s coming next, and we are ready to meet the challenge. It’s an exciting business.” says Arron Farghaly.
