Siloxanes the Elephant in the Cupboard for MSW Biogas?

As more municipal waste biogas plants come on stream, which use mechanically separated "black bag" waste, there will be impurities persent, and there are concerns that one of those impurities "siloxane" will turn out to cost a lot of money to remove. Also, Anaerobic Digestion Plant operators will experience costly downtime for repairing badly damaged gas engines. We all know that unreliable power output costs in terms of the tarrif paid by the recieving electricity company, so this ends up as a double whammy. This could be an elephant lurking in the cupboard as the rapid uptake of municipal waste to energy fermentation just gets going.

That is why we were particularly interested to read the article excerpted below. We have included only part of this excellent and well-informed article below. So, we expect that many of you will follow the link below and visit the original web site for the full article. All comments giving your views on whether this danger is significant will be apperciated:

Siloxanes are a subgroup of silicones containing Si-O bonds with organic radicals. They are widely used for a variety of industrial processes. They are also commonly added to consumer products, including detergents, medical products and devices, shampoos, cosmetics, paper coatings, and textiles. Although most siloxanes disperse into the atmosphere where they are decomposed, some end up in wastewater (approximately 17,000 tons per year in the US).  Siloxanes do not decompose in the activated sludge process, but generally end up as a significant component in the sludge.

As sludge undergoes anaerobic digestion, it may be subjected to temperatures up to 60 C. At this point the siloxanes contained in the sludge will volatize and become an unwanted constituent of the resulting biogas.

List of Siloxane Removal Options

The author has provided the folloing list of methods for siloxane removal:

Currently, there are six primary technologies for removing siloxanes from biogas. These include the following:

–Activated carbon is widely used to remove organic substances from gases and liquids due to its superior adsorbent properties. An example of a product based on this technology is SAGPack from Applied Filter Technology.

–Activated alumina absorbs siloxanes from biogas. When the alumina becomes saturated, its absorption capability can be recovered by passing a regeneration gas through it.

–Refrigeration with condensation in combination can be used to selectively remove specific compounds by lowering the temperature or pressure of the gas, and then allowing the compound to precipitate out to a liquid, and then settle out.

–Synthetic resins remove VMS’s through adsorption. They can be specially formulated to remove specific classes of compounds.

–Liquid absorbents are used by a small number of landfill operators to treat biogas prior to use in combustion devices such as gas turbines. An example of a product based on this technology is Selexol from Dow Chemical.

–Membrane technology is a relatively recent development in siloxanes removal. At present, however, membranes are subject to acid deterioration from the acidic content usually found in raw biogas.

Of these technologies, activated carbon appears to be among the most dominant in the industry. This material can be purchased relatively cheaply, for less than $1 per pound when purchased in bulk form.

Although there are a number of options available for cleaning contaminants such as siloxanes from biogas, none has yet proven to be “ideal.” Therefore there is active interest in the development of new and better technologies for cleaning biogas.

It appears that siloxanes comprise a very significant problem for the production and use of biogas. End users are demanding efficacy, and they also require ease of use in terms of being able to drop the technology into existing biogas treatment processes without significant re-engineering. End users also demand adaptability to accommodate the varying nature of biogas streams and the various types and amounts of contaminants that need to be treated. And of course, as always users are looking for the most cost-effective options.

A technology that can satisfy these criteria appears well-positioned to be readily introduced and adopted into this market, and in turn could help biogas achieve its full potential as an important component of the worldwide energy mix.

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Biogas Produces 4 Times More Electricty Than Solar PV -UK AD & Biogas Conference Invitation

We decided to post all of this news announcement. Even if you don't have tyhe opportunity to visit this conference there are some intersting facts, such as that the "AD industry is already producing over four times more renewable electricity than solar PV, with a huge potential to deliver an 800% increase by 2020."

Despite being a nascent sector, the AD industry is already producing over four times more renewable electricity than solar PV, with a huge potential to deliver an 800% increase by 2020. This incredible potential is reflected in the level of growth that ADBA’s annual exhibition and conference, UK AD & Biogas, has experienced in the three years of its existence – 74 to 200 stands, an increase of 170%.

AD is reaching out to all sectors which can benefit from AD to show where it can be the missing link, to help thousands of businesses grow. This is why the UK AD & Biogas conference focuses specifically on demonstrating the benefits and business case for AD to local authorities, farming, and the food and drink industry. The show includes free advice for farmers on site, through ADBA’s farmers’ consultancy service, and free wider project advice from finance and legal specialists.

Key Points of Media Interest:

- Launch of CentreForum’s Independent AD Report ‘Hit the Gas: How to get the anaerobic digestion sector moving’

- Launch of Defra’s AD Strategy and Action Plan Progress Report, which will detail progress on the actions set out in the AD Strategy and Action Plan in the past year and reconfirm the government’s support for the industry.

- Launch of ADBA’s Beginners Guides targeted to explain the benefits of AD to businesses, farmers and the general public.

- Launch of ADBA’s new branding.

This has been focused on engaging sectors that in the past AD has found hard to penetrate, and mirrors the format of this year’s conference which is dedicated to showcasing how AD can fit with local authorities, the food and drink industry, and farming. UK’s first AD & Biogas Industry Awards, 4 July celebrating the innovation achievements of the industry.

Members of the media who wish to attend the conference can do so for free using code PREC3000. More information – including the conference programme – is available here.

Key Speakers of Interest include:

Clare Hawley, Deputy Director of Energy from Waste and Food Waste, Defra, Launch of AD Strategy and Action Plan Progress ReportHenry Robinson, Deputy Chairman, CLA, The Strength of Purpose Grown Crops in ADDr Harald von Canstein, Head of Biotechnology, E.ON, Sustainability and Carbon SavingsJohn Woodruff, Chairman, NAWDO, Aspiration and Reality: The Challenges Facing Local Authorities.James Miles-Hobbs, Director, Rural Development Associates, Farm Advisor of the Year 2011, Business Plan Walk Through Guide

Show Details

The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) is holding its third annual tradeshow, UK AD & Biogas 2012 - ‘AD: Your Missing Link’ at the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 July 2012 Hall 3A.

The UK’s only dedicated AD and biogas tradeshow includes a two-day exhibition and conference showcasing over 200 exhibitors, 22 free seminars and workshops, a free professional clinics feature area and the first UK AD & Biogas Industry Awards.

Conference details

The two-day conference will address issues affecting the food & drink industry and local authorities on day one July 4, in Getting Value from your Food Waste and issues affecting the farming sector discussed on day two, July 5, in The Business Case for On-Farm AD. More information – including the conference programme – is available here.

Awards details

AD & Biogas Industry Awards 4 July, at NEC Concourse Suites 1-2, Birmingham. Further details on awards categories and nominees can be found here. Members of the press interested in attending the awards dinner should contact Iona Smith T 020 7633 4526 E iona.s@letsrecycle.com.

Five facts you need to know about ADBA

ADBA stands for The Anaerobic and Biogas  Association.The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas  Association was founded in September 2009.Since its launch ADBA has acquired around 300 members, including AD plant operators, suppliers, local authorities, farmers including the NFU, utility and energy companies such as E.ON and United Utilities, food producers such as Waitrose and Branston, fleet operators such as Coca Cola and Howard Tenens.

ADBA’s chairman is Lord Redesdale, former Liberal Democrat energy spokesman.

ADBA’s aim is to help enable or facilitate the development of a mature AD industry in the UK and to represent all businesses involved in the anaerobic digestion and biogas industries, to remove the barriers they face and to support its members to grow their businesses and the industry to help the UK meet its renewable energy, climate change and landfill targets, as well as the preservation of critical natural resources.

Key facts you need to know about anaerobic digestion and biogas

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a natural process which converts organic matter such as household food and garden waste, farm slurry, waste from food processing plants and supermarkets, and sewage sludge, into biogas.The AD industry has the potential to be worth £2-3bn in the UK alone and employ 35,000 people.

The AD industry has the potential to generate around 40TWh of energy, equivalent to over 10% of the UK’s domestic gas demand. Biogas (which is approximately 60% biomethane, 40% CO2) can be utilised to generate electricity and heat, or, upgraded to biomethane, either used as a transport fuel or fed directly into the UK’s gas grids.According to the Carbon Trust the generation of biomethane would save twice as much carbon dioxide as producing electricity by 2020.

AD is the only renewable that can be scaled up fast enough to enable the UK to reach its 2020 renewable energy target. Overseas potential is significant and the UK could be a world leader – with the right support now. AD reduces greenhouse gas emissions by treating organic wastes which would otherwise emit methane (landfill, slurries) and reducing our use of energy intensive commercial fertilisers and fossil fuels.

AD preserves critical natural resources such as nitrates and phosphorus. Phosphorous is a finite resource for which there is no known alternative. It is critical for plant growth and world resources are already running out.  Nitrates are one of the key components of fertilisers.

AD significantly improves Britain’s energy security – we will soon be importing over 70% of our gas.Unlike other renewables, biomethane is generated constantly and can be stored in the gas gridBiomethane is one of the few renewable fuels for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) which cannot run on electricity.

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Biogas Storage Holder Installed for Burdens Environmental Plus Video

Burdens Environmental have recently developed their own high tech Anaerobic Digestion plant. On viewing one particular answer to Biogas Storage at the environmental trade show ETSUK 2012, Burdens group recognised immediately the benefits of the simple, modular spherical Biogas Storage unit. This was first and foremost due to the fact that it matched perfectly the ethos behind the design of their new AD plant, in which every component of the system is an individual “plug and play” unit. See that artic;le below our video.

Watch our video below for more Biogas Storage information. While on ths subject of Biogas Storage spheres we thought that this video of an alternative offering would be of interest to our readers.

When Fred Bartlett, consultant to Burdens, first viewed our working model he was so impressed he commented “If I had the cash on me I would order the first one now!”. Following this successful first viewing Base are installing a 25m3 Biogas Storage sphere on AWS Burdens Environmental trial plant in Carmarthenshire, South Wales later this month.

By combining modular components to build systems, the Burdens model can be scaled up as demand increases, helping to manage the risk of a large speculative investment. Every part of each sub assembly can be bought off the shelf and bolted together to grow larger and larger systems. When it becomes unfeasible to keep adding parts and sub-assemblies then a step-change is taken up to the next size of system. In this way all possible AD needs can be catered for in 3 practically sized ranges, capable of processing 30 tonnes of waste per week up to 100 tonnes per week.

Base welcomes enquiries from both partners and potential customers. For further information please contact Fran Buchanan on +44 (0) 117 971 2229, email francisb@basestructures.com or visit the Base Structures Biogas Storage microsite.

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Using Biogas as a Chemicals Industry Feedstock Not Petrochemicals

There are times when the research world seems to be positively ill-informed of developments in tenchnology. Here is a case in point. The waste management industry has been talking about this for some years and several start up companies are now trading on this as a business plan. Here is the article which explains the recent research on using biogas as a chemical industry feedstock :

Combustible gases generated by organic matter in landfill sites or from biomass are commonly burned to generate electricity.

However, a Finnish team, writing in a forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Sustainable Economy about using biogas as a chemical industry feedstock , suggest that such biogas might be more usefully used as an alternative feedstock for the chemical industry. They explain that using biogas in this way would reduce our dependency on oil and gas-derived products and is commercially and technically viable.

To initiate such a switch to biogas from landfill and other sources, there may have to be subsidies akin to those implemented in food production. However, as the price of raw fossil materials – oil and gas – continues to rise, biogas will become a more competitive alternative feedstock and government support could gradually be reduced. “The use of biogas can be promoted by identifying existing industrial sites currently using fossil-based gas as raw material and by analysing whether they can utilise biogas,” the team says. “By constructing biogas producing unit at industrial sites potentially enables development of other biogas applications. Building pipelines to other biogas users, or vehicle uses, are potential options,” they add.

View the original article about using biogas as a chemical industry feedstock  here

There is no doubt that using biogas as a chemical industry feedstock will happen, it is merely a matter of time, as non-renewable resources are used up.

Biogas Upgrading Technologies Markets Analysed - for the Asia Pacific Region

Summary of a new report on Biogas Upgrading: Technologies and Global Markets with a Focus on Asia-Pacific :

We hope you like the following article. Please visit their website for the full article. The link is provided at the end of this article:

An overview – with a focus on Asia-Pacific – of biogas upgrading with discussion of the advantages of biogas compared to other forms of renewable energy, global greenhouse emissions, and the barriers to large-scale biogas plant deployment Analyses of market trends, with data from 2010, estimates for 2011, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2016 Coverage of the market by upgrading technology type, including pressure swing adsorption, water scrubbing, membrane technology, cryogenic upgrading, and in situ methane enrichment, with a breakdown of market values by technology type Evaluations of feed sources, including sewage sludge, biowaste, landfill gas, and energy crops Examination of the industry structure, with comprehensive company profiles.
Explore comprehensive Table of Contents of this report @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/135858-biogas-upgrading-technologies-and-global-markets-focus-on-asia-pacific.html

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Renewable, sustainable energy generation will be the fastest-growing energy sector over the next two decades.  From 2010 to 2016, the market is projected to rise from $124 billion in 2010 to $217 billion in 2016.  Price volatility, supply concerns, and the environmental aspects of fossil fuels are expected to accelerate the pace of all non-fossil fuel development.

At this writing, the price of oil has hit highs of more than $100 per barrel on the world market, while U.S. drivers are paying nearly $4 per gallon of gasoline.  Renewable domestic energy supplies are seen as a means of overcoming these problems.  Biogas, a clean fuel derived primarily from waste materials, is an important alternative to conventional fossil energy.

This Biogas upgrading report provides an in-depth analysis of the world market for the biogas upgrading equipment used to transform crude biogas from waste materials and energy crops into sustainable energy.  Six types of upgrading systems are reviewed: water scrubbers, pressure swing adsorption systems, physical absorption and chemical absorption units, membrane systems, and units based on cryogenic technology

Four categories of materials are evaluated as feed sources for biomethane production: municipal wastewater (sewage sludge), agricultural wastes and energy crops (manure, agricultural residuals, and purpose-grown crops), biowaste (industrial organic wastes and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste), and landfill gas.  Two different end uses for the gas are also examined, injection to the natural gas grid and transportation fuel.

The biogas production and biogas upgrading markets are far better developed in Europe than in North America, so it is the main focus of this study.  Germany has, by far, the largest number of upgrading plants, most of which feed into the grid.  Sweden ranks second, with the bulk of its facilities purifying biogas for use as vehicle fuel.

So far, North America’s upgrading capacity is primarily based at landfills; little new capacity has been built over the past decade.  Although Asia has the largest number of biogas generating systems, the vast majority of these are small-scale plants that serve single dwellings or small communities.  In the rest of the world, biogas production is at different stages of development; however, gas upgrading is only just emerging.

REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY

The need to responsibly dispose of mounting volumes of waste and the requirement to procure sustainable, secure energy supplies are two of the most important issues facing governments and industries around the globe.  The production of energy from a number of waste streams (i.e., municipal and domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, landfills, livestock manure, and agricultural residues) is a process that addresses both of these challenges.

In the current waste-to-energy market, anaerobic digestion offers a sustainable conversion process.  With the addition of a biogas refining step, the waste-derived gas can be used in all applications where conventional natural gas is used.  In this context, it is important to have an overview of the market and the drivers that support adoption of the best strategies by governments responsible for sustainable waste handling and energy supply solutions.  It is also important for industry players and technology developers to understand current as well as future trends in order to strategize their investments.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This study intended to be useful to a broad audience.  Because they stand to see the greatest profit from expansion of the biogas industry, manufacturers and suppliers of biogas upgrading equipment and providers of upgrading technology would likely benefit the most from the data contained in this study.  Companies with plant components, ancillary equipment, and related products also might profit from the information collected here.

These include manufacturers and suppliers of anaerobic digesters and digester technology, biogas distributors, water and power
engineering firms, suppliers of power plants and electricity generating equipment, environmental management firms, companies specializing in anaerobic digestion equipment and other water and wastewater treatment equipment, companies developing additives (chemicals, enzymes, etc.) to enhance gas production yields and process efficiencies.

Other beneficiaries of biogas upgrading that might find this study of value are farmers, participants in the food industry, waste processors, transportation sector players, and project developers and investors.

SCOPE OF REPORT

The scope of this report is the global market for biogas upgrading equipment.  Market value and growth is evaluated for six different types of upgrading systems: water scrubbing, pressure swing adsorption, physical absorption, chemical absorption, membrane separation, and cryogenic technology.

The market is broken down by four different feed sources: municipal and domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, landfill gas, and agricultural wastes, a category that includes animal manures and crop residues.  Additionally, the market is examined according to end use, injection into the gas grid and transportation fuel.

A discussion of the market by world region includes overviews of North America, Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world, with individual profiles for countries most active in each region.  Present market status, biogas upgrading plant installations, and policies and incentives that support the industry are given for each country.  All market valuations and projections cover the years from 2000 to 2016.

Market figures are based on the revenues derived from equipment sales and are projected in 2011 constant dollars (i.e., inflation is not computed into the projection figures).  The revenue figures are derived from estimated revenues of the key players in a particular year.

A technology overview, a discussion on the structure of the industry, and brief profiles for major participating companies are included.  The machinery used to transform the gas to electricity: reciprocating and other types of gas engines, turbine and microturbines, and fuel cells, is not included in the analysis.

Inquire before buying or Request a Sample of the report 'Biogas Upgrading: Technologies and Global Markets (Focus on Asia-Pacific)' @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/135858-biogas-upgrading
-technologies-and-global-markets-focus-on-asia-pacific.html

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Promoting Biogas With Humour! Toilet Bike Rolls Out Biogas-Powered Environmental Message

One for the road -- Toto's Toilet Bike Neo is turning heads as it crosses Japan on the power of animal dung.

Of all the PR-friendly ways there are to spread a message, corporate or otherwise, sending some poor sap out to ride across an entire country on a motorized toilet surely ranks high on the list of “Uh, what?” schemes we've seen.

Allow us to introduce the poop-powered Toilet Bike Neo. It's a three-wheeled chopper-style motorcycle from Toto, one of Japan’s largest toilet suppliers.

Contrary to what you might think (and who can blame any mind for wandering in that direction), the retro steed runs not on human “output” from the unfortunate rider, but on biogas brewed from animal dung and household wastewater.

Um, and it also comes fitted with a tiny talking latrine on the handlebars, a nightclub-style “air-writer” LED device for leaving bon mots trailing in its wake and a high-end sound system.

The Toilet Bike Neo Project is part of the Toto Green Challenge initiative to promote the firm’s goal aim of cutting greenhouse-gas emissions in its customers’ bathrooms (again, say what?) in half by 2017.

Throughout October, the portable pooper will travel 1,000 kilometers across Japan from a Toto factory in Kyushu to its final resting point in Tokyo.

It’s stopping along the way to spread the word about the energy conservation methods that Toto promotes, such as the company's high-efficiency toilets.

Any kids undergoing toilet training should stay away from the front of the Toilet Bike Neo, as the talking commode on the handlebars is more than a little scary, yapping out fortunes, stock quotes and other snippets no one wants to hear right now.

Still, the message is a sound one and the mobile latrine’s photo blog is one of the more unusual Japan travel diaries we’ve seen -- perhaps it’ll one day inspire a new generation of eco-warriors to rise up and festoon the nation in two-ply.

Jane Leung is a Hong Kong-born Canadian who has dabbled in the mixed media bag of film and television production, the professional sports industry and magazine publishing. 

Read more about Jane Leung

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Anaerobic Digesters in Environmental award for walking area - GO Outdoors

Those who like to go walking in parts of Cumbria other than the Lake District may be interested to learn that an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has gained a green award.

(Our video is not directly rerlated but provides viewers with an idea of what the Arnside and Silverdale area is like.)

Arnside and Silverdale AONB has won an award for its project to convert farm waste into useful fuels such as biogas and fertiliser, using anaerobic digesters, the Westmorland Gazette reports.

It will also see greenhouse gases combined with calcium from milk to create limestone, which will be placed in old quarries.

The scheme impressed a panel including adventurer Ben Fogle and former footballer Gary Neville.

David Askew, an officer at the AONB, said: "The whole team are delighted and surprised to have been successful."

Those heading for the Arnside and Silverdale AONB can enjoy areas of limestone scenery, as well as wildlife such as red squirrels.

Located just south of the Lake District, it covers 75 sq km and also includes coastal habitat.

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Optimise the Efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion - International Environmental Technology

A high-speed, high-temperature HT200S laboratory digester from HACH LANGE has helped one of Europe’s largest recycled packaging companies to cut analysis times by 75%.

This process has also enabled Smurfit Kappa SSK to optimise the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion to generate quality biogas, which helps to recycle the effluent waste produced on site.

By deploying the advanced HT200S, along with a DR2800 VIS Spectrophotometer at its biogas plant, the analysis of nutrient levels ensure that the site’s anaerobic reactor is running effectively, reducing analysis times by 75% as a result.

Prior to analysis in a DR2800, samples are digested in the HT200S, with digestion times for Nitrogen, Phosphate and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), which previously took two hours, now taking just 15 minutes.

Ciaran Conroy, from Smurfit Kappa SSK, explained that the HT200S has radically altered nutrient analysis at the plant. He said: “The HT200S allows us to be more reactive to alterations in the process, as a result of the speed with which we are now able to take measurements. The speed of digestion is complimented by the fact that the HT200S cools the samples so that they can be transferred to the spectrophotometer immediately.”

“The easy identification of COD and Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) in the biogas reactor is just one example of this, enabling us to react in a matter of minutes, resulting in less time spent on maintaining the biogas reactor.”

The HT200S can also digest samples prior to analysis for Chromium, Tin, Silver and Total Organic Carbon (TOC).

The portable HT200S can provide numerous benefits for virtually every industry where COD, nitrogen, phosphate or metals analysis has to take place, saving significant maintenance time and costs in the process.

For a brochure, please contact sarah.blayds@hach-lange.co.uk

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