Anaerobic digestion is a natural process that has been used for centuries to convert organic materials into energy. Organic waste, such as food waste, animal manure, agricultural waste, and wastewater sludge, is processed using anaerobic digestion to break down the organic material and produce biogas. The biogas can then be used to generate electricity, heat, and transportation fuel, and the remaining solids can be used as a nutrient-rich fertiliser.
It is an environmentally friendly process that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce renewable energy. However, despite its many advantages, concerns about odour emissions can impact how the process is perceived. Unpleasant odours from an anaerobic digestion plant can be a nuisance to nearby residents and businesses if an effective odour control solution isn’t in place.
Effective odour and emissions control for anaerobic digestion facilities
Anaerobic digestion odour control is an essential component of any anaerobic digestion system. This is a process through which the odours that are produced by an anaerobic digestion plant are eliminated. They work by capturing and then treating the gases that are produced during the anaerobic digestion process, before safely releasing them into the atmosphere.
One of the most common is a biofilter, which is a system that uses microorganisms to break down the odour-causing compounds in the gas. The gas is passed through a bed of organic material, such as compost or wood chips, where the microorganisms break down the compounds. Another type of system often used alongside anaerobic digestion is a carbon filter.
This system uses activated carbon to absorb the compounds in the gas that cause the odour. The gas is passed through a bed of activated carbon which has a large surface area and a high affinity for organic compounds. The compounds are absorbed by the carbon and are removed from the gas stream which becomes odourless. It can then be safely released back into the environment without causing a nuisance.
Who needs anaerobic digestion odour control?
Anaerobic digestion is used in a variety of industries and businesses, meaning that odour control systems will also need to be in place. These can range from wastewater treatment plants to landfill sites and agriculture. Anaerobic digestion odour control may also be used in urban areas where odour from food waste transfer can be an issue.
To prevent odours from becoming an issue during the transfer of food waste, operators need to ensure that waste is transported using sealed containers. The amount of time that waste is stored on-site prior to transportation should also be minimised. In some cases, pre-treatment of the waste may be required and odour control systems such as biofilters or carbon filters may be necessary.
How Exeon can help
Odour control is essential to ensure that the anaerobic digestion process is acceptable to nearby residents and businesses. Effective odour control systems can help to reduce the impact of odours on the local environment and improve the overall sustainability of the anaerobic digestion process.
At Exeon, we’re experts when it comes to providing an effective odour control and emission system for different industries and environments.
Contact us if you’d like to find out more about any of our solutions.