Biogas: a new energetic solution

An important contribution to the decarbonisation process can be the use of biogas as a renewable energy source. 

An alternative source useful to accelerate the transition process and energy autonomy. 

In addition to identifying the production steps, it is important to consider the advantages of use and technologies useful for the processing of a final product that is intact and free of impurities, suitable for distribution.

What is a biogas?

With the term biogas we refer to a natural gaseous fuel, formed by methane and a combination of other gasses.

Thanks to the anaerobic fermentation of biomass, this fossil-fuel-free source can generate natural gas.

The process, more precisely called anaerobic digestion, produces biogas, which is used later for vehicle traction and digestate. 

It’s a highly fertilizing fermentation waste material, widely used in agriculture. 

Anaerobic digestion occurs thanks to the action of some bacteria that "digest" biomass, organic materials of various origins. 

During the process, after a phase of acid fermentation and methanogens, the bacteria convert carbon dioxide into methane.

The biogas produced must be filtered and dehumidified before being fed into the distribution network.

Advantages and disadvantages of using biogas

Why is biogas a new good source of energy?

Specifically, biogas is a type of clean energy that guarantees energy independence and is highly eco-sustainable. 

This is because it enhances the organic waste and by-products of a biological process, allowing the production of totally natural fertilizers.

Being a renewable source, over time will allow a progressive autonomy in energy supplies contributing to the process of energy transition.

Its market will acquire more and more importance in the panorama of the energies useful to decarbonisation and the green economy.

Biogas, in addition to being very reliable, since it does not depend on climatic factors, is also versatile.

It can be used, in fact, for heating and, through a cogenerator, for the combined production of electricity and heat.

Biogas, however, needs further processing before becoming biomethane and being used as a fuel for methane engines.

One of the greatest difficulties in the use of biogas is the search for a large space to place the power plants. 

It is important that they are located away from urban centers, to keep isolated the smells emanating from the processing of waste.

In addition, installations must follow strict safety and environmental guidelines due to the risks associated with toxic compounds.

Due to probable emissions from leakage, the fire risk is one of the most common.

Even in the presence of holes on the covers of the storage tanks, possible gas emissions could generate an explosion.

Risk assessment and periodic scheduled maintenance, however, allow a correct management of the plant and staff.

However, suspicions linked to the release of micro-organisms harmful to humans or the environment have no scientific basis, even if in some cases they have provoked many controversies.

Solutions for the treatment 

A biogas plant involves the production of biomass, providing a place for the destination of organic waste and agricultural residues.

The collected material is collected, processed and then transported to the plant, where it will be deposited inside tanks or tanks for the storage of biomass.

In this phase the digestion of the biomass takes place, where the fermentation process will take life by the anaerobic digesters.

Thanks to the anaerobic digestion, then, biogas will be generated with the two functions mentioned above.

Modern technologies allow industrial plants to obtain biomethane, thanks to the further processing of biogas, and exploit a totally natural source.

The plants provide a storage area for the reception of the material that initiates the pre-treatment phase.

Through a piping system, the material is then transported to the digester and then to the refining plants. 

The plants also provide a storage tank and a system of energy and heat production.

Organic waste materials are used as fertilizers, while biogas undergoes further treatment steps.

Solid particles, particulates and other contaminants must be removed, as the impurities do not allow optimal operation of the machinery.

At Priver we are highly qualified for the distribution and implementation of suitable solutions for raw biogas treatment and condition monitoring.

Applications and systems suitable for dehumidification, filtering and drying, guarantee an optimal result of the finished product and a correct management of industrial processes.