Anaerobic digestion biogas is a process that converts organic waste into biogas composed of methane and carbon dioxide. This biogas can then be used as a clean energy source. However, the biogas produced from anaerobic digestion can contain high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is a toxic and corrosive gas. These treatments are necessary to remove the H2S from the biogas and make it safe to use.
There are a number of options for treating H2S in anaerobic digestion biogas systems. Chemical methods, such as the use of sulfite, can be used to remove H2S from the gas. Physical methods, such as the use of activated carbon, can also be used to remove H2S from the gas.
MV Technologies' hydrogen sulfide removal systems treat biogas for emissions control and beneficial end-use in all forms of biogas processes on farms, at wastewater treatment facilities, and at large waste and industrial facilities.
We successfully partner with engineering firms, design & build companies, and end-users to help identify and design the right H2S removal solution for site-specific requirements from the common mixed reactor to dry anaerobic digestion to plug flow anaerobic digestion processes.
When choosing an H2S treatment solution for anaerobic digestion biogas, it is important to find one that is specifically designed for your application. Not all H2S treatment solutions are suitable for biogas, and it is important to make sure that the chosen method is capable of removing the H2S from the specific biogas product your operation is producing. Of course, MV Technologies has years of experience in designing these systems, and they are willing to help you in the selection and design process.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the chosen H2S treatment solution is able to meet the requirements of your anaerobic digestion system. With the right H2S treatment solution, you can ensure that your biogas is safe to use and will perform optimally.
H2S can cause corrosion of metal parts in anaerobic digestion biogas systems, which can lead to problems with the system's operation. H2S can also cause problems with the bacteria that are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter.
Our H2S removal solutions offer design flexibility and are often the most cost-effective and easy-to-operate technology for most AD biogas projects.
The production of H2S during anaerobic digestion is a complex biological and chemical process that is highly variable across various applications, even within a single digester.
Variations in feedstock source and consistency, temperature changes, and fluctuations in water chemistry can all have a significant impact on the quantity of H2S included in the biogas stream. These variations in H2S concentrations can present significant challenges to conventional biological systems.
H2S concentrations in biogas from anaerobic digesters can range from highs of more than 20,000 ppmv to values of less than 100 ppmv. As noted above, the fluctuations around a mean value in any given digester can be significant. It is the variability in concentration that is one of the peculiar and critical elements to address in the design of an H2S removal system.
Additionally, in evaluating H2S treatment approaches, an important metric to consider is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
The TCO includes capital costs such as the vessel size, pumps and installation costs, and the operating costs, largely determined by media life and resulting time between replacement -- itself a function of biogas flow rate and H2S concentration. MV's enhanced iron sponge (BAM) media is guaranteed to remove up to 13 pounds of H2S per cubic foot, one of the highest removal efficiencies in the industry.
One of the most common questions that many of our clients have is how much an H2S treatment system will add to their operation's bottom line. While these systems are often required by federal, state, or local regulations, they can have several other benefits as well.
Generally, we recommend that our clients consider the total cost of ownership of these systems. While it is true that they often have higher upfront costs than other systems, their reduced maintenance and ongoing upkeep costs are significantly lower. Be sure to consider:
If you're looking to remove H2S from your biogas products, MV Technologies has a solution for you. Contact MV Technologies today and we'll be happy to assess your site's needs and develop and appropriately sized solution for your operation.