Biogas is a mixture of gases obtained by the decomposition of organic substances by anaerobic microorganisms. The main components of biogas are methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and other gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S), hydrogen (H2), nitrogen (N2), ammonia (NH3) and water vapour.
From a practical point of view, the concentrations of methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and oxygen are most commonly used to monitor the fermentation process; hydrogen or ammonia concentrations are determined far less frequently.
The composition of the biogas should be systematically monitored and recorded, as a great deal of valuable information on the ‘health’ of the fermentation process, the quality of the substrates and the effectiveness of the biogas desulphurisation technology applied can be derived from this data.
The biogas composition testing we offer covers the following ranges:
- CH4 (0 – 100%)
- CO2 (0 – 100%)
- O2 (0 – 25%)
- H2S (0 – 5000 ppm)
We measure biogas composition using a Geotech BIOGAS 5000 analyser certified with a UKAS calibration certificate.
Measurement of the biogas composition can be carried out on-site by a BIO-INDUSTRY representative or in our laboratory after sending a gas sample in a special tedlar bag.
On request, we can provide suitable biogas sampling materials.