In the process of anaerobic digestion, biogas production can be stored temporarily whenever the rate of production exceeds the rate of consumption.
This is often necessary to ensure a continuous supply of gas for energy production, especially in systems where demand may fluctuate.
Biogas storage is typically a short-term solution used to balance the difference between biogas production and consumption. Such systems typically consist of a low-pressure tank into which biogas is stored for a limited time. These systems are designed to safely hold biogas at a pressure lower than the combustion pressure, providing flexibility for facilities with variable energy needs.
Before biogas can be used for energy generation – whether in a combined heat and power (CHP) engine or a boiler – it must be dried to achieve a low dew point.
Drying benefits:
- Dry biogas ensures more efficient combustion in engines and boilers, maximizing energy output.
- Drying helps avoid damage to equipment from moisture and impurities, preventing corrosion and oil contamination in engines and boilers.
- Drying partially removes harmful contaminants like hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia, and siloxanes, improving the quality of the biogas.
- Proper drying ensures the biogas meets the technical requirements set by all major engine and boiler manufacturers, helping avoid operational issues and warranty concerns.
Due to aggressive ambient conditions in biogas applications, it is essential to use a cooling/drying system specifically designed for these environments. These systems are built to consistently achieve low dew points, ensuring optimal performance, and extending the life of biogas equipment.
