Why is biogas conditioning necessary before utilization?
Typical biogas contains 60-85% methane and is a valuable source of energy. Besides methane, the gaseous fraction can contain various concentrations of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and other gases, and is fully saturated with moisture.
During transmission of the biogas from source to the point of use, the pipelines can be exposed to lower ambient temperatures that will cause the water vapor to condense. Such conditions affect the formation of corrosive compounds, including carbonic and sulfuric acids. Their presence can significantly speed up the corrosion of the gas collection/distribution system and its various components.
To protect against the deterioration of, and damage to, the overall gas utilization system, the biogas should be dried, and various impurities have to be sufficiently removed before it can be used as a fuel in electrical power generators, fuel cells, boilers and/or as a vehicle fuel.
Throughout the years, GWE has developed systems that allow for continuous use of 100% of the produced biogas without the requirement for costly and often-troublesome biogas storage systems. Our scrubbing and drying processes remove sulfur and humidity from the biogas at low operating costs.
Our biogas handling systems start at the exit of the anaerobic digester and continue all the way to the delivery of renewable energy in the form of hot water, steam, electricity, or renewable natural gas (RNG) at your factory or pipeline.
GWE is highly experienced with all the steps of biogas conditioning and treatment, as well as various forms of utilization from engine gensets to boilers to our own CALORIX™ direct-fired heaters.
