Energy from waste streams:
the growth of biofermentation

Biogas is produced in digesters, where microorganisms break down organic waste. This can be achieved through either mono- or co-fermentation. In mono-fermentation, a single waste stream is processed, typically animal manure, but industrial waste streams are also eligible. In co-fermentation, multiple waste streams are combined, such as manure and vegetable waste, as well as all kinds of biodegradable industrial waste. In both systems, the fermentation process is driven by microorganisms.

The power of fermentation:
triple climate gain

  1. Emission reduction: Processing organic residual streams in biogas plants avoids harmful emissions entering the atmosphere.
  2. Energy production: The biogas and biomethane produced serve as renewable energy sources, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
  3. Recycling: Digestate, the residual product from the biogas process, acts as a natural fertiliser. This returns organic matter and nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for additional fertiliser.

What makes a bio-digester successful?

The success of the bio-digester depends on several factors, but the microbiome is central to its functioning. The success of a mono-manure digester, co-digester, vegetable digester or sludge digester depends on the microbiome.

Each digester has its own unique microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms that work together to drive the process. Without the right bacteria and archaea, biogas formation is impossible. The decomposition process proceeds in several steps. First, bacteria hydrolyse fibres, proteins and fats from biomass, then break down the sugars, amino acids and fatty acid chains created via fermentation into acetic acid, formic acid, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Methanogenic archaea then take over and convert these small molecules into methane and carbon dioxide as end products. Bacteria and archaea are therefore dependent on each other to keep the process going.

The right microbiome is created by accelerating the start-up process with a suitable inoculum, followed by stable process management to allow the microbiome to develop. The process conditions are crucial in this regard. We distinguish between physical conditions, such as temperature and residence time, and chemical composition. Changes, such as overloading, can disturb the resulting biological balance. This can cause microorganisms to disappear, creating an unstable equilibrium and causing the process to deteriorate further until it eventually crashes. This can be prevented by properly designing and analysing the process.

What do successful digesters have in common?

Our research, conducted in collaboration with our partners, has revealed that a particular consortium of bacteria is present in 80% of successful biodigesters. This insight provides valuable information for optimisation purposes. We have also identified several factors that enhance the system's robustness, making it more resilient to disruptions and fluctuations.

Insight into the microbiome

The microbiome reflects the “health” of the digester. We map the microbiome of a digester in detail . This gives us a deep insight into the processes taking place in your digester and enables us to influence and optimise them. We use big data and in-house software to link the biological data to the process parameters.

Fermentation tests (BMP tests)

At our biogas laboratory, we conduct supporting fermentation tests. This allows us to offer specific recommendations on improving the performance and robustness of the process and optimising the fermenter.

Services Biogas

At Bioclear earth, based on our extensive knowledge and experience, we have developed a number of specific products aimed at helping you with:

  • 1. Robustness and continuity of your biodigester (Biogas Qmonitor)
  • 2. Increasing biogas production ( Biogas Optimiser)
  • 3. Resolving problems that may arise (Biogas Rescue)
  • 4. Introducing new feedstocks (Biogas ReStream)
  • 5. A successful start-up (Biogas Start-Up)
  • 6. An optimal design (Biogas Design)

Ready to run your bio-digester quickly and efficiently? Contact us today for tailor-made advice!

Please contact Jeroen Tideman.

Contact Jeroen

What do successful digesters have in common?

Uit ons onderzoek blijkt dat in 80% van de succesvolle biovergisters één specifiek consortium van bacteriën aanwezig is. Dit inzicht biedt waardevolle aanknopingspunten voor optimalisatie. Daarnaast hebben we een aantal factoren ontdekt die het systeem robuuster maken, waardoor het beter bestand is tegen verstoringen en fluctuaties.

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