Biogas BMP testing

Our bioprocess laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for performing BMP (Biomethane Potential) testing, which can be tailored to your specific needs or project requirements. In the field of bioenergy and anaerobic digestion, BMP tests are used to measure the maximum amount of methane that can be produced from organic material. To achieve this, the substrate is mixed with digestate (bacterial inoculum) to create a maximum working volume of 0.5 litres.This mixture is then incubated under anaerobic conditions at mesophilic or thermophilic temperatures while the production of biogas and methane is continuously measured. The results of the BMP tests include total methane production, biogas quality, percentage degradability and degradation rate.

These customisable tests can address a wide range of research questions and project objectives. Examples include:

Optimisation or problem solving in the biogas process, for example by determining which raw materials or additives yield the highest and most stable methane production.
Testing new raw materials or additives before they are introduced on a large scale to detect possible inhibitions and prevent downtime of the digester.
Screening different digestates and substrates to identify the most suitable inoculation sources and substrates for setting up a new digester.
Validating new additives in relevant environments during the development phase.

At Bioclear earth, we plan and carry out tests that are specifically tailored to each customer, enabling us to offer the best possible results and solutions. For example, we can use fresh digestate supplied by the customer for the test, or we can supply various types of digestate ourselves from our extensive network of anaerobic digestion plants (e.g. based on plants, manure and waste). Depending on the customer and project objectives, individual substrates can also be selected. Alternatively, model substrates such as wheat straw, sugar or acetate can be used to map individual process steps within anaerobic digestion. The temperature, intervals between feedings and other chemical measurements can also be adjusted alongside BMP tests. Alongside a complete final report with recommendations and advice, we provide regular updates and initial results throughout the project, enabling customers to take immediate action.