How Biogas Systems Work
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.
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.