In a world facing climate change and seeking a sustainable future, renewable energy has become a necessity. Biogas, produced from organic waste, is emerging as a promising option, offering a clean, renewable and environmentally friendly energy solution. In this article, we will explore in detail how biogas is produced from organic waste, the benefits of this technology and how Smallops can help implement efficient solutions in your biogas plant.
What is biogas?
As we have discussed in previous articles, biogas is a combustible gas generated by the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, a process known as anaerobic digestion. This organic matter can come from various sources, such as agricultural, livestock, forestry and even domestic waste. Methane, the main component of biogas, is a flammable gas that can be used to generate electricity, heat or as vehicle fuel.
Biogas production process from organic waste: food waste, kitchen waste and more
Biogas production from organic waste involves a series of steps:
1. Collection and pretreatment of raw material: Organic waste is collected and pretreated to remove impurities and homogenize the mixture.
2. Anaerobic digestion: Anaerobic digestion is the heart of the biogas production process. At this stage, organic waste is introduced into an anaerobic digester, where it is broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. This process takes place in several phases: Hydrolysis, Acidogenesis, Acetogenesis and Methanogenesis. The conditions inside the digester, such as temperature, pH and humidity, are carefully controlled to optimize biogas production.
3. Separation of biogas and digestate: The biogas produced is separated from the digestate by different methods, such as filtration or centrifugation.
4. Biogas purification: Biogas can be purified to remove impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and water vapor, improving its quality and making it suitable for final use. This purification is commonly called upgrading, where the objective is to obtain the highest percentage of methane possible.
5. Use of biogas: Purified biogas can be used directly to generate electricity, heat or fuel for vehicles, or injected into the natural gas network. The digestate, in turn, can be used as organic fertilizer.
Benefits of biogas from organic waste such as food waste, kitchen waste and more
- Renewable energy source: Biogas is obtained from organic resources, much of it waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, polluting the soil and emitting greenhouse gases. By converting this waste into biogas, it is given a valuable new use and the dependence on fossil fuels is reduced.
- Emission reduction: The biogas production process does not generate direct emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In addition, by replacing fossil fuels, biogas contributes to mitigating climate change.
- Energy efficiency: Biogas production is a relatively efficient process, since the energy contained in organic matter is used to generate biogas and digestate. The digestate, a by-product of the process, can be used as organic fertilizer, thus closing the nutrient cycle.
- Versatility: Biogas can be used for various purposes, such as generating electricity, heat and fuel for vehicles. In addition, biogas can be injected into the natural gas network, allowing it to be used in the same applications as conventional natural gas.
- Almost total independence from environmental conditions to operate, unlike other renewable energies such as solar and wind, since waste can be easily stored and used at any time of the year.
- Job creation: The biogas industry has the potential to create new jobs in rural and urban areas, from the collection of raw materials to the production and distribution of biogas.
How can Smallops help you in biogas production?
At Smallops, we understand the importance of optimising biogas production to maximise economic and environmental benefits. That’s why we offer a wide range of specialist services to help you improve every stage of the biogas production process.
Technical and personalized advice
We provide technical and customized advice on organic waste management and biogas production. Our experts work with you to design and optimize the biogas production process, ensuring maximum efficiency and profitability.
Implementation of advanced technologies
We offer advanced technological solutions for anaerobic digestion and digestate treatment, including monitoring and control systems, nutrient separation and recovery technologies, and biogas purification processes. These technologies enable improved process efficiency, reduced costs, and maximised biogas production.
Investigation and development
At Smallops, innovation is in our DNA. We work closely with you to carry out research and development projects that drive excellence in your industry. Our specialty is biogas experimentation (anaerobic digestion) and waste treatment through hydrothermal carbonization.
Biogas experimentation
We have a laboratory equipped with more than 20 digesters, allowing us to carry out all kinds of exhaustive experiments on biogas. We carry out batch tests on biomethanogenic potential (BMP) and semi-continuous experimentation, replicating the activity of an industrial plant to provide the necessary information on the techno-economic viability of your substrates.
Optimizing biogas production
We offer biogas production optimization services, using technologies such as nanoparticles to increase methane production by 20%, as well as other additives such as bacteria and iron oxides.
Technical service for digestate management
We provide technical and customized advice on digestate legislation and plant requirements to comply with it. We implement green and environmentally friendly technologies as post-treatment of digestate to convert it into fertilizer and make it certifiable. We study the digestate, analyze its composition and design the best technical solution to prevent it from being considered waste.
Design and implementation of laboratory level tests
We design and carry out laboratory tests to find the optimal solution for each plant. We offer advice and industrial design of the process to implement it at the lowest possible cost in the plant. The investment in the type of technology offered by Smallops is minimal and can be amortized in 1-2 years by selling the treated digestate.
Continuous monitoring
We offer continuous monitoring of the treated digestate obtained and the post-treatment implemented to prevent and solve problems, thus ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the biogas production system.
Biogas, a commitment to a green future
Biogas from organic waste is emerging as a viable and sustainable energy alternative, with the potential to play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. As technology advances and costs decrease, biogas is set to play an increasingly important role in the future of energy.
