10.5 Biogas Composition Analysis
Gas composition analysis mainly aims at determining the concentration of the two
main components of biogas: CO 2 and CH 4 (Mahmoodi et al. 2018). This can be
easily done in discontinuous and continuous analysis performed with
gas-chromatography. Often TCD sensors are used to this aim. Inside the gas are
also trace components, like ammonia (Strik et al. 2006) and siloxanes (Hayes et al.
2003) which also have to be measured.
10.6 Data Analysis and Reporting
As already said, the main result of the BMP test is the volume of dry methane which
is produced. This has to be referred to normal conditions of pressure and temperature
(273.15 K, 101.33 kPa). In the German guideline VDI, a very useful comprehensive
explanation of the data analysis process is available.
Good data reporting has to be the more detailed as possible, as reported in
Angelidaki et al. (2009). In the final report, BMP test must contain the following:
– Precise description and characterization of the inoculum
– Description and characterization of the substrate
– Description of test conditions and of the setup
– Description of the results obtained with positive controls and blanks
Fig. 10.8 Batch anaerobic digestion plant coupled to a gasometer (Fantozzi and Buratti 2011)
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Gas composition analysis mainly aims at determining the concentration of the two
main components of biogas: CO 2 and CH 4 (Mahmoodi et al. 2018). This can be
easily done in discontinuous and continuous analysis performed with
gas-chromatography. Often TCD sensors are used to this aim. Inside the gas are
also trace components, like ammonia (Strik et al. 2006) and siloxanes (Hayes et al.
2003) which also have to be measured.
10.6 Data Analysis and Reporting
As already said, the main result of the BMP test is the volume of dry methane which
is produced. This has to be referred to normal conditions of pressure and temperature
(273.15 K, 101.33 kPa). In the German guideline VDI, a very useful comprehensive
explanation of the data analysis process is available.
Good data reporting has to be the more detailed as possible, as reported in
Angelidaki et al. (2009). In the final report, BMP test must contain the following:
– Precise description and characterization of the inoculum
– Description and characterization of the substrate
– Description of test conditions and of the setup
– Description of the results obtained with positive controls and blanks
Fig. 10.8 Batch anaerobic digestion plant coupled to a gasometer (Fantozzi and Buratti 2011)
10 Substrate Characterization in the Anaerobic Digestion Process
331