Methanation on the farm - Improving the profitability of on-farm biogas production by scaling in situ methanation from pilot to farm scale

Metanointi maatilalla - Maatilan biokaasutuotannon kannattavuuden parantaminen skaalaamalla in situ -metanointi pilotilta maatilamittakaavaan

Work package 1. Experimental development: updating the biogas pilot system

The equipment used in a previous project will be upgraded to meet the needs of this project. The main changes are related to the treatment of digestible pulp and digestate waste. This project deals with a slurry-dry feed mixture, in which case the feedstock and waste conveyors need to be replaced. Modifying manure and feed into a form that acts as feed requires equipment upgrades.

For manure processing, a hygienization unit will be built in connection with the feeding of digestate. It is known from experience that pathogens may interrupt the digestion test.

In addition, online pH measurement is added to the equipment, which strengthens the data collection of experimental work. The pilot equipment set has three chambers, each of which must be monitored for pH. In addition, it has emerged that controlling the height of the surface of the digestion chamber must be automated. Online hardware significantly reduces the workload of people. The buffer capacity (alkalinity) affecting the maintenance of the correct pH level will need the chemical feeders that will be built in the project.

Work package 2. Experimental development: digestion optimization and development of digestion control

Digestion conditions are optimized experimentally. Digestion takes place in a multi-chamber reactor operating on the plug flow principle, in which several temperature and hydrogen supply zones can be formed. The process can be run in two stages: the 1st hydrolysis/acidogenesis phase (25–35°C) and the 2nd methanogenesis phase (mesophilic 32–42°C or thermophilic 50–58°C). Stratification of the mass is prevented by mixing. Other conditions in the chambers can also be regulated, for example, by adding chemicals.

Work package 3. Experimental development

Construction of electricity generation and electrolysis equipment for the pilot. In connection with the pilot equipment, a small-sized CHP equipment will be built alongside the hydrogen radiators to produce electricity and heat. Heat is used to heat the digestion chamber and electricity is used to produce the hydrogen needed for methanation by electrolyzing water on site. The heat and electricity generated by a farm-scale plant that may be built later with different funding will be used in the same way in the gas production process and for the needs of the farm. Paavola's dairy farm, which is part of the innovation group, already produces solar power for its own use and for sale.

Work package 4. Business calculations

Commercial calculations are used to examine the impact of methanation on the profitability of the farm. The calculation models broadly take into account the entire economy of the calculation model farms.

Work package 5. Planning to scale to farm scale

The aim is to install one in situ methanation equipment in a functioning or constructed biogas production plant. The expertise of the entire innovation team is used to plan scaling to the farm scale. The group assists in the design and construction of equipment within the available funding.

Work package 6. Communication and network expansion

Jamk bears the main responsibility for the communication of the project. One of the biggest goals of communication is to reach potential primary producers planning to invest in biogas and venture capitalists interested in the investment. The seminar work brings together those interested in biogas investments. The seminars present the progress of the project's experimental work and bring together experiences of in situ methanation.