Energy from waste streams: the growth of biofermentation

In the renewable energy sector, bio-digestion is an increasingly popular topic.Research by the European Biogas Association predicts that, in the coming decades, biogas production could account for 50% of the market. Once processed into biomethane, biogas can be used as a direct substitute for natural gas in existing gas networks. This offers significant potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and CO₂ emissions, as well as increasing our energy independence.

There is much potential when it comes to residual streams that can be used as ‘food’ for biodigesters. Think of flows from agriculture and food production such as animal manure, crop residues from arable farming, green waste from greenhouse horticulture, process water from the food industry, organic waste from households or natural and roadside grass. Biogas can also be obtained from flows originating from the waste chain, such as sludge from sewage treatment and the organic fraction recovered from household waste.

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. Whether it is used for mono-dung, co-digestion, vegetable waste or wastewater treatment, the outcome 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.

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.

 

Our approach: DNA analysis of the microbiome

The microbiome is a reflection of the health of the digester. Therefore, it is at the heart of our work. To map a digester's microbiome, we use advanced DNA analysis techniques. This technology provides deep insight into the processes that take place in your digester, enabling us to influence and optimise them. For this purpose, we use big data and in-house software to link biological data to process parameters. At our biogas laboratory, we carry out supporting digestion tests. This enables us to provide targeted advice on the performance and robustness of the process, as well as on how to further optimise the digester.

Services

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

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

Please contact Jeroen Tideman.

Contact Jeroen

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