How Biogas Systems Work

1Organic Material
2The Digester
3aBiogas
3bDigested Material

Step 1

1 ORGANIC MATERIAL

Organic materials are the “input” or “feedstock” for a biogas system. Some organic materials will digest more readily than others.

  • Animal Manure
  • Food Scraps
  • Wastewater Biosolids
  • Restaurant Grease
  • Organic Byproducts

Step 2

2THE DIGESTER

An anaerobic digester is a system of airtight tanks that can be equipped for mixing and warming organic material.

Microorganisms break down organic material over 2-4 weeks producing biogas and digestate.

Step 3a

3aBIOGAS

Biogas consists mostly of methane and carbon dioxide, plus water vapor, and other trace compounds (e.g., siloxanes)

  • Heat
  • Bioplastics
  • Electricity
  • Vehicle Fuel
  • Renewable Natural Gas

Some biogas can be used to heat the digester!

Step 3b

3bDIGESTED MATERIAL (DIGESTATE)

In addition to biogas, digesters produce solid and liquid digestate, containing valuable nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus & potassium) and organic carbon.

  • Fertilizer
  • Soil Amendments
  • Animal Bedding
  • Other Products
  • Horticulture Products

Digested material may be returned for livestock, agricultural and gardening uses!

RNG

RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS

Biogas processed to gas pipeline quality is often called biomethane, renewable natural gas, or RNG.

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