Furthermore, this type of energy generation has the advantage of being largely independent of inclement weather, unlike other renewable energies such as solar and wind.
At Smallops, we have developed an additive based on the valorization of olive oil waste and by-products. This additive serves to increase the efficiency of biogas and biomethane production. It consists of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles called OPS. OPS help improve biogas production by acting directly on the digester itself without altering the current process for obtaining this renewable energy and without having to use other substrates.
+209,628.9 Nm3 of additional methane per year using only 3 bags/day of OPS
In a biogas plant that processes 500 m³ of WWTP sludge per day, the implementation of OPS has generated an additional 2.09 GWh per year, i.e., an extra 209,619.5 Nm³ CH₄ per year, and an annual saving of 14.24 tonnes of ferric chloride. As this plant cogenerates biogas, its annual profit is €64,023.91.
If you’re interested in trying our product, contact us. We’ll answer all your questions and provide you with all the information you need.
OPS, thanks to their graphitic carbon structure, facilitate the direct transfer of electrons between microorganisms, accelerating the anaerobic digestion process.
OPS provide additional electrons, enhancing the conversion of CO₂ to methane by methanogenic microorganisms, which increases the rate of CH4 production.
Fe⁰ acts as a catalyst, breaking down complex compounds into simpler substrates, facilitating their metabolism and increasing the rate of methane production.
OPS nanoparticles precipitate sulfur, preventing the formation of H₂S, which contributes to the stabilization and deodorization of waste.
Thanks to OPS, biogas plants improve methane (CH4) production by 10-20%, thus increasing profits since the resulting biogas would be of higher quality.
Thanks to the use of our nanoparticles, gas production increases by 10-20%, meaning that plants will obtain 10-20% more biogas in the same reaction time. This means that if a biodigester in a medium-sized WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant) generates 477,127 m3 of methane annually, applying our product would generate 524,839 m3 of methane per year.
An increase in the lifespan of cogeneration engines has been demonstrated thanks to the elimination of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) by 99%, which is corrosive to biogas combustion engines and is also the cause of the characteristic “rotten egg” smell.
The resulting digestate would be of greater interest and viability when applied to crop soils due to its higher iron and sulfur content (essential plant nutrients) and lower pollutant load, which is an added value that would otherwise increase the profitability of the process.
It has been shown that OPS stabilizes the digester against substrate fluctuations. This means biogas production would be more consistent and homogeneous, in addition to being of higher quality and maximizing its yield.
The use of OPS increases the degradation of phytotoxic compounds such as polyphenols by 24%.
We develop nanotechnology solutions to improve the efficiency of converting waste into renewable energy, contributing to the decarbonization of the energy sector.
Smallops iron nanoparticles are an innovative solution designed to improve biogas production in anaerobic digestion processes. Follow these steps to use iron nanoparticles and maximize their benefits in biogas production:
We determine the precise amount of iron nanoparticles needed to achieve the desired biogas production goal. This will be based on the digester volume and specific improvement goals.
The process begins by adding iron nanoparticles directly to the digester, along with the substrates used in the anaerobic digestion process.
Regularly monitor the results of the biogas production process, paying attention to changes in the quantity and quality of the gas produced. We help you make adjustments as needed based on the results obtained. Iron nanoparticles can have an impact on the speed and efficiency of biogas production.
Understand and empathize with the client.
Define the problem and the desired objectives.
We conduct a laboratory study to determine the amount of biogas generated by the waste and thus determine the amount of OPS needed to achieve the client’s desired objective.
Once the laboratory studies are completed, a pilot test is conducted in which the client confirms the improvements and increases in biogas generated thanks to the OPS.
Once the pilot test has been completed, ensuring the improvements and increases in biogas that the client desires, OPS will be purchased and added to the plant.
OPS are carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles that improve the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion process, optimizing microbial metabolic pathways to increase biogas production and reduce the formation and degradation of unwanted compounds.
OPS can be dosed directly into the digester feed, ensuring even distribution throughout the system. The exact application method can be adjusted according to the plant’s design and feed type.
No, OPS can be applied without modifying the plant’s infrastructure. Its use is compatible with standard anaerobic digestion processes.
No, OPS has no negative effects on digestate. In fact, the presence of iron nanoparticles could even improve some properties of the final fertilizer by providing bioavailable iron.
The recommended dosage is 2-3 kg of OPS per ton of volatile solids (VS). To calculate the exact amount, it is necessary to know the average VS content of the raw materials used in the plant.
You can use our simulator to make an initial rough calculation.
The effects are usually visible between 2 and 4 weeks after application, depending on the water retention time of the plant.
Yes, it is recommended to analyze the volatile solids (VS) content or the average annual VS tonnage of the raw materials used. This allows for calculating the optimal amount of OPS for the plant.
Yes, by optimizing microbial activity, OPSs help stabilize methane production and reduce fluctuations in its concentration.
OPS can reduce the need for certain additives, especially those used for H₂S control. However, complete replacement will depend on the specific conditions of each plant. OPS are compatible with most additives commonly used in biogas plants.
Yes, OPS has been validated with different types of organic waste, such as manure, agro-industrial waste, and sewage sludge.
No. Tests have shown no adverse effects on anaerobic digestion or process stability. Furthermore, the product’s non-toxicity has been certified through independent studies.
OPS has been implemented in several biogas plants in Europe. While not yet present in all countries, Smallops is expanding and seeking new strategic partners for its commercialization.
Yes, Smallops provides technical advice and support during product implementation to ensure proper application and maximize benefits.
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