6 ways in which biogas plants benefit from on-site oxygen generation
Biogas production is a complex process that requires a continuous supply of oxygen to maintain optimal conditions. The traditional method of supplying oxygen to biogas plants is through the purchase and delivery of liquid oxygen or bottled oxygen cylinders.
However, there is a better way to ensure a consistent oxygen supply, while also reducing the costs and environmental impact associated with transporting and storing oxygen. On-site oxygen generation is an efficient and cost-effective solution that offers numerous benefits to biogas plants.
Here are six ways in which biogas plants can benefit from on-site oxygen generation:
1. Cost savings: On-site oxygen generation eliminates the need to purchase and transport oxygen from an external supplier, resulting in significant cost savings.
2. Increased efficiency: The use of on-site oxygen generation can increase the efficiency of the biogas production process, resulting in higher biogas yields.
3. Improved process control: On-site oxygen generation provides biogas plant operators with greater control over the biogas production process, allowing for real-time adjustments to be made as needed.
4. Reliable supply: On-site oxygen generation provides a reliable and consistent supply of oxygen, reducing the risk of production delays or shutdowns.
5. Sustainability: On-site oxygen generation reduces the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of oxygen, as well as the emissions from the production of the oxygen itself.
6. Flexibility: On-site oxygen generation allows for greater flexibility in the biogas production process, as the oxygen supply can be adjusted to meet changing production needs.
A big part of the biogas that is created in the digester is carbon dioxide (CO2). We all know by now that, when CO2 is released into the atmosphere, it triggers unwanted climate effects.
Therefore, it’s a major concern for biogas stations to capture this CO2 and prepare it for reuse or injection into a CO2 pipeline. The CO2 typically needs to be compressed to pressures ranging from 20 to 35 bar.
Atlas Copco’s oil-free CO2 compressors to bring the CO2 gas to these desired pressures. An oil-free solution is required to ensure the quality of the CO2 is kept at a high level so it can be reused by other industries.
The capturing and reuse of CO2 plays a major role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Atlas Copco has a whole portfolio of CO2 products which will help our customers in this challenging journey.
Sustainability has become a critical concern for the industry. It is essential that we collectively reduce our carbon footprint and adopt greener practices.
Energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions are key to achieving this goal, not only because of customer demand and government regulations but also because of our responsibility to future generations.
Biogas production also has an impact on the environment, particularly in terms of water usage, waste management, and energy consumption. As a substitute for fossil fuels, biogas plants allow us to reduce our environmental impact by using alternative sources of energy.
In addition to larger investments, there are also smaller steps that can be taken to reduce energy consumption, such as using efficient compressors for generating oxygen. An inefficient compressor consumes a lot of energy, which can be reduced with state-of-the-art compressor technologies.
Using a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) compressor, such as the Atlas Copco GA VSD+ oil-injected screw compressors, is the ideal solution for a cost efficient and sustainable production of compressed air.
By adopting sustainable practices and reducing energy consumption, biogas producers can not only improve their bottom line but also contribute to a better, greener world for future generations.
