This potentially puts anaerobic digestion (AD) operators in an enviable position – but balancing throughput and biogas production requires careful planning to maximise energy revenue whilst minimising or eliminating fugitive methane emissions from unstable digestates at the end of the process. Classical BMP tests deliver gas evolution profiles over time under controlled laboratory conditions, providing a useful and cost-effective indication of possible performance at scale. This data can inform everything from gate fee contracts to digester feeding rates and digestate storage or processing strategies.
At present, only a handful of AD sites have in-house capability to use this vital tool. SUEZ, at its Aqua Enviro laboratory in Wakefield, recently upgraded its testing facilities to deliver this valuable service, providing clients with more detailed insights into their feedstocks than ever – whether derived from wastewater treatment (such as primary, secondary and hydrolysed sludges) or waste management (such as food wastes from households, manufacturers and other businesses).
Combined with Aqua Enviro's comprehensive and bespoke consultancy services, the simple and robust BMP test helps companies to achieve optimum biogas production, balancing feedstock mixes and digester loading strategies. It can also be used to explore the biomethane potential in treated materials – informing methane mitigation strategies that are as important for health and safety as they are for delivering net zero obligations and permit compliance.
>> To know more about the Aqua Enviro laboratory's BMP offerings and renewable energy solutions, read
"Maximising renewable energy generation from anaerobic digestion" or email
enquiries@aquaenviro.co.uk.
