Organics-Group - Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Plant
Anaerobic digestion (AD) involves the breakdown of organic waste by bacteria in an oxygen-free environment. It is commonly used as a water treatment process. As part of the procedure, AD produces a large amount of methane-rich biogas which can be used to generate heat or energy.
AD equipment consists, in simple terms, of a heated digester tank, a gas holder to store the biogas, a system to process the biogas to ensure it can be used in mechanical process equipment, and an engine or generator set to produce heat or energy.
The organic waste is broken down in the tank, and up to 60% of the mass is converted into biogas. The rate of conversion depends on the temperature of the process and the composition of the waste.
Biogas typically has a calorific value of typically between 50 – 70% of natural gas and can be combusted directly in modified gas engines or natural gas boilers.
Organics has designed systems to be both high-rate and capable of managing refractory solids.
- AD is a well-proven technology that can be installed and run successfully for many years.
- Production of biogas without the creation of issues related to air pollution.
- AD can reduce and control odour and attention of pests.
- Waste is minimised and wastewater can be fully treated for release to the environment.
- There is a social net benefit by avoiding greenhouse gas and producing renewable energy.
- AD is a relatively low-technology solution for treating waste and wastewater. It does not require sophisticated control and management to be operated successfully.
- Commercial by-products can include biogas, compost, liquid fertiliser, ammonia and energy.