Optimising a biogas plant requires biochemical expertise, precise monitoring of the fermentation process and the right instruments.
Our state-of-the-art laboratory with its own test fermenters and an automated fluorescence microscope enables the early detection of undesirable inhibition and other critical factors. You determine the scope of our analyses and consultations.
What we examine
and why it is important:
- pH value – to maintain the optimum working range for microorganisms
- Fatty acids (FOS) – precursors of methane
- Buffer capacity (TAC) – balancing factor for fatty acids to keep the pH value stable
- FOS/TAC ratio – acid/buffer ratio for assessing biological stability
- Ammonium and nitrogen values – excessive and rapidly rising values can inhibit microorganisms
- Dry matter content – substrate that is too solid impairs the work of microorganisms
- Electrical conductivity – reflects the salt load: excessive salt content can have an inhibitory effect on microorganisms
- Viscosity and stirrability – high viscosity can impair the mixing of the substrate and increase the power consumption of the agitators
Within a few hours of receiving your sample, you will receive not only detailed measurement results, but also clear recommendations for action – tailored to your plant and your operations.
Trace element analyses
Microorganisms in your biogas plant require essential nutrients and bioavailable trace elements for an efficient metabolism. A deficiency, which can occur depending on the substrate used, can reduce the gas yield and therefore the efficiency of your plant. Our trace element analysis includes
- Cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, sulphur, selenium, nickel
- phosphate (P2O5), potassium (K2O), calcium, magnesium, zinc and the dry matter content
Recognise defects at an early stage.
Act purposefully.
A needs-based supply of trace elements is an important component for the high performance of your biogas plant. We compare the values from your trace element analysis with proven reference values and give you specific recommendations on how you can compensate for a deficiency or oversupply. The trace element mixtures from MT Energy Service are therefore customised to the requirements of your biogas plant.
Four steps to
needs-based supply of trace elements:
-
01 Substrate sample
You send us a substrate sample from your fermenter.
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02 Laboratory analysis
We analyse the substrate sample in our laboratory.
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03 Customised mixture
You will receive your personalised trace element mixture.
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04 Control
We carry out a control measurement free of charge.
Farm fertiliser analyses
We prepare precise nutrient analyses of fermentation residues, liquid manure, solid manure and chicken dry manure, including the required declaration. This enables optimum utilisation and marketing of your farm manure in accordance with the Fertiliser Ordinance.
Fertiliser declaration (nitrogen phosphate potassium)
according to the Fertiliser Ordinance
- Higher and continuous gas production
- Certified farm fertiliser
Rely on our expertise for a powerful and economical biogas plant!
Testing for inhibitors
Your fermenter offers optimum conditions for the efficient production of biogas from liquid manure and the extraction of valuable fertiliser from the fermentation residue. However, antibacterial substances or medicines used in modern animal husbandry can have undesirable effects on the fermentation process. If these substances enter your biogas plant in excessive quantities, they inhibit microbial activity, slow down fermentation and reduce both gas production and quality. In the worst case, the fermentation process can come to a complete standstill - with economic losses of up to 20,000 euros for large plants.
To prevent this from happening, our laboratory analyses the microbial activity and supports you in identifying and eliminating the causes. This allows you to stay in control of your system at all times - and at a fair price.
Preventive monitoring
by means of fluorescence microscopy
We use fluorescence microscopy to analyse manure in the laboratory for the presence of antibacterial inhibitors. With this preventative monitoring method, we record the cell counts of the microorganisms involved in the fermentation process.
- Early detection of inhibitors
- Rapid elimination of process faults
- Reliable system performance
Gas yield tests and continuous batch tests
Our fermentation laboratory in Zeven offers you a sound method for evaluating the economic efficiency of your input materials. A gas yield test provides the most meaningful findings on fermentability, the expected gas yield and the methane quality of various substrates. We regularly confirm the reliability of our gas yield tests, based on VDI guideline 4630, by successfully participating in proficiency tests (interlaboratory test).
Do you have specific questions or would you like to gain insights into the effects of additives? We offer the possibility of carrying out continuously guided and continuously fed batch tests. In addition to methane and CO2, we can also determine the hydrogen sulphide and hydrogen content in the biogas produced.
Residual gas potential
To determine the residual gas potential, we ferment a sample of your post-digester overflow or your fermentation product store at 37.5°C in a triple determination and record the amount of biogas produced. Unutilised residual gas potential means energy loss - and therefore lost revenue.
Your advantages:
- Optimised use of various input materials
- Precise monitoring of system performance
- Reliable and continuous gas production
