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Case Studies

How we've simplified Anaerobic digestion

Our Innovations At Work

Our Innovation Portfolio

Discover how Digester Doc is revolutionizing the anaerobic digestion industry with our groundbreaking case studies. Explore how our science-driven solutions have optimized gas yields, slashed operational costs, and significantly reduced environmental impact. These real-world examples demonstrate the power of innovation and expertise in transforming waste into valuable resources. Dive into our success stories and see how Digester Doc is leading the way in sustainable energy solutions.

Our Applied Solutions Garnering Unrivaled Results

We are unique specialists in renewable energy that consistently push the boundaries of what is thought possible for RNG. From education to science-driven policy to operational efficiencies, we are on the cusp of innovation in all aspects of anaerobic digestion. Digester Doc is poised to shape the next decade within this industry.

Our Innovations At Work

Optimized Performance

Our science-driven solutions ensure peak performance of anaerobic digestion systems.

Customized Solutions

Every anaerobic digestion system is unique, and Digester Doc tailors its solutions to meet specific operational needs.

Proactive Troubleshooting

Using cutting-edge diagnostics and continuous monitoring, we identify and address emerging problems before they escalate.

Sustainability and Compliance

We help operators meet environmental regulations while reducing their carbon footprint through optimizing resource use and waste management, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Microbial Matrix

Understanding biological needs and limitations of microbial populations within anaerobic digestion to boost performance.

Digester Doc was engaged to evaluate the microbial community in a collapsed anaerobic digestion (AD) influent sample. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the microbial populations to diagnose issues and recommend strategies for the digester’s recovery. The assessment employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) to profile the microbial DNA present in the sample, revealing key insights into the microbial dynamics within the digester.

By understanding the specific microbial species in an anaerobic digester, process parameters can be tailored to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms and potentially suppress inhibitory species.

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Problem

A balanced microbial ecosystem is critical for stable digester operation. Imbalances can lead to issues such as reduced biogas production or the accumulation of harmful byproducts like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Our analysis of the collapsed digester revealed a significant imbalance in its microbial ecosystem, primarily characterized by an excess of acid and H₂-producing bacteria and a shortage of methanogens.

Solution

The Microbial Matrix facilitates a deep understanding of the microbial dynamics within anaerobic digestion systems. By revealing specific pathways to correct microbial imbalances and harmful environments, it enables the development of targeted strategies that enhance the consistency and efficiency of anaerobic digestion operations. During this study, we were able to design a pathway to correct the identified challenges and get on track for enhanced methane production, reduced risk of instability, and minimized buildup of harmful byproducts. Below is our tailored approach:

Microbial Supplementation

Introducing microbial supplements would help shift the metabolic pathways towards more efficient methane production, reducing the accumulation of harmful intermediates.

Enhancing Carbon Availability

Increasing the availability of carbon within the digester can provide necessary substrates for the growth of beneficial microbes, particularly methanogens.

Optimizing Feedstock Composition

Adjusting the feedstock composition to reduce the excess sugars and carbohydrates would help balance the microbial community by lowering the population of acid producers.

Monitoring Adjustments

Continuous monitoring of microbial populations and chemical composition would enable timely adjustments to nutrient inputs and operational parameters.

Key Insights

A Deep Dive

The microbial analysis revealed a substantial presence of carbohydrate- and sugar-consuming bacteria, indicating a feedstock rich in sugars, such as glucose and fructose (Table 1). This sugar-rich environment has promoted the proliferation of acid-producing organisms, leading to the significant production of organic acids, including succinate, propionate, and acetate (Table 2).

Tipping The Scale

The accumulation of these organic acids suggests an imbalance, as the digester lacks sufficient bacterial and archaeal populations to metabolize these compounds further, which can destabilize the system or delay its initiation. Notably, the microbial community includes a high concentration of hydrogen gas (H₂)-producing bacteria, indicating a plentiful hydrogen supply in the feedstock. Conversely, there is an elevated presence of H₂S-forming bacteria, resulting in high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) (Table 2)

Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Microbial Populations

Overcoming Shortcomings

These insights illuminate a critical imbalance where excessive fermenters and acid producers far outnumber methanogens. This disproportion can lead to inefficiencies in methane production and overall system performance. By identifying these microbial discrepancies, our Microbial Matrix study provides a clear roadmap to rebalance the microbial community, enhancing the digester’s efficiency and output.

Let us pinpoint and resolve the biological factors within your system that are holding you back.

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H₂S Predictive Study

Empowering cost-effective H₂S management
With precise, Data-driven insights.

An anaerobic digestion facility contacted Digester Doc to address the operators’ critical challenge in managing their biogas production’s hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) levels. The client sought to lower operating costs and optimize their gas upgrading system by accurately predicting H₂S levels under various scenarios. Traditional H₂S removal methods had proven effective but were costly and challenging to manage. Therefore, the client commissioned Digester Doc to conduct an H₂S predictive study to explore innovative, tailored solutions.

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Problem

Before engaging Digester Doc, the AD operators had primarily relied on biological desulfurization, a conventional method for managing H₂S in biogas. This process involves the controlled introduction of small amounts of oxygen into the anaerobic digester’s headspace. The oxygen supports the growth of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, which convert H₂S into elemental sulfur, thereby reducing the overall concentration of H₂S in the biogas.

While biological desulfurization is effective to some degree, it has several limitations.

Oxygen Toxicity

The introduction of oxygen poses a risk to methanogens. Methanogens are highly sensitive to oxygen, and even small amounts can inhibit their activity, reducing the efficiency of production.

Incomplete Reduction

This method alone was insufficient to reduce H₂S levels to the stringent requirements necessary for pipeline injection, necessitating additional, costly post-treatment processes.

Cost And Complexity

The need to carefully control oxygen levels, monitor bacterial activity, and maintain balance in the AD adds complexity and cost, making it less feasible as a long-term solution.

Solution

Based on the predictive model, Digester Doc recommended a two-stage treatment approach to manage H₂S levels effectively:

In-Situ H₂S Abatement

Objective: Reduce H₂S levels from 3,500 ppmv to below 100 ppmv within the digester.

Method: Applying Sulfafix, a ferric oxide-based additive, directly into the digester. Sulfafix is particularly effective in manure-based systems, which align with the facility’s feedstock characteristics. The additive works by binding with hydrogen sulfide, forming stable, non-toxic compounds that are easily removed from the digester environment.

Gas Polishing

Objective: Further reduce H₂S levels to below 100 ppmv, ensuring compliance with pipeline injection standards.

Method: Utilization of Lutum, a high-performance polishing absorbent. Lutum was selected over traditional activated carbon due to its superior capacity for H₂S adsorption and its lower frequency of media changeouts, which significantly reduces labor and maintenance costs.

Approach

Our Innovative Predictive Modeling

Digester Doc approached the problem by focusing on predictive modeling and leveraging a deep understanding of the biochemical processes within anaerobic digesters. 

The team hypothesized that by accurately modeling the conditions within the digester—including feedstock characteristics, chemical oxygen demand (COD) conversion rates, digester design, and environmental factors—they could predict H₂S generation with high precision. 

This predictive capability would allow the AD facility to anticipate H₂S levels under various operational scenarios and tailor their treatment strategies accordingly.

Predicted H₂S Levels

Key Insights

Operational Parameters

Elevate your efficiency, slash operational costs, and drive your success to new heights. Let's make it happen.

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Chicken Litter
as a Feedstock

Harnessing the untapped power of chicken litter to revolutionize biogas production and drive sustainable innovation

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) has increasingly been recognized as a pivotal technology for managing organic waste and producing renewable energy. Over the past two decades, there has been a notable rise in AD systems across North America, driven by technological advancements and growing environmental awareness. Among the various feedstocks utilized in AD, chicken litter represents a potentially high-value resource due to its abundant availability and rich organic content.

Digester Doc, North America’s largest Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) laboratory, was approached to assess the viability of chicken litter as a feedstock for AD. The primary goals were to quantify the methane potential of chicken litter and evaluate the fertilizer value of the resulting digestate. This case study delves into the study’s methodology, its significance, and its implications for the future of the anaerobic digestion industry.

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Methodology

Preliminary Analytical Testing

Before conducting BMP tests, Digester Doc carried out a series of preliminary analytical tests on the chicken litter samples. These tests aimed to determine the biochemical composition of the samples, including total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and other key parameters. This initial analysis was crucial for identifying any potential issues that could affect the accuracy of the BMP results.

BMP Testing

The BMP assay is a standard method used to measure the anaerobic biodegradability of organic materials and their potential to produce methane under controlled conditions. The testing involved several stages:

Sample Preparation

Samples were processed to ensure consistency. This included filtering and adjusting sample conditions based on initial analyses.

BMP Assay Execution

The BMP tests were conducted on a lab scale, with samples subjected to anaerobic conditions over a specified period (typically 40 days). During this, biogas and methane accumulation were monitored.

Data Analysis

Post-testing, samples were analyzed to determine the volume of methane produced per unit of VS (mL CH4 / g VS). The results were then compared against industry benchmarks to evaluate the feedstock's potential.

Results

The results of the BMP testing were conducted in three rounds. Round 1 revealed methane potentials of 140.9 to 211.0 mL CH4 / g VS, below industry standards, leading to further investigation into sample handling. In Round 2, adjustments including new sample processing techniques and using effluent from the previous test as inoculum resulted in significantly improved methane potentials of 286.7 to 472.5 mL CH4 / g VS, with three of four samples surpassing industry standards by up to 30.5%. Round 3 confirmed these improvements, with methane production ranging from 297.2 to 334.6 mL CH4 / g VS, validating chicken litter as an effective feedstock. See the results below:

The findings presented in this study illuminate the untapped potential of chicken litter as a high-yield feedstock for AD. Through a meticulous and iterative testing process.

Our team successfully demonstrated that, with proper handling and optimization, chicken litter can meet and exceed industry standards for methane production. These results signify a critical opportunity for the biogas industry to diversify its feedstock portfolio, enhancing AD systems’ sustainability and economic viability.

Importance

This study underscores the significant potential of chicken litter as an effective feedstock for anaerobic digestion. The improved results from subsequent testing rounds demonstrate that with proper handling and optimization, chicken litter can surpass industry benchmarks for methane production. This validation is critical for expanding the use of chicken litter in AD systems, particularly in regions with abundant poultry production.

Implications for the industry

Feedstock Diversity

By proving the viability of chicken litter, this study supports the broader adoption of diverse feedstocks in AD systems, further enhancing the sustainability and economic viability of AD projects.

Optimizing Processes

The findings highlight the importance of meticulous sample processing in achieving peak biogas production, which can be applied to improve the efficiency of existing and future systems.

Environmental & Economic

Using chicken litter in AD helps reduce harmful emissions, lowering the poultry industry’s carbon footprint Additionally, it creates new revenue opportunities for farmers and supports the circular economy resources.

The results of this study encourage continued innovation and exploration within the biogas industry. As new technologies and methods emerge, the potential for chicken litter and other alternative feedstocks will likely expand, contributing to a more resilient and diverse renewable energy sector.

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What people say about us

The health our plant has improved significantly since Digester Doc's assistance and we are now able to continue ramping up and not showing any signs of slowing down.
Jeffrey Lippert
Montrose Environment
Digester Doc is our first call and has always worked very hard to make sure our issues are taken care of and follows up to make sure the solution implemented is working for the long haul!
Melinda Flores
New Energy One LLC

Meet the Minds Behind Our Innovations

Will Charlton

President

Amy Hall, MS

Director of Sciences

Max Badesheim

Director of Integration

Learn More About The Team

what we can do for you

We Solve Your Real Problems

Full-Service Laboratory

We are positioned to identify industry needs and develop solutions where those needs are unmet in current practice.

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First-Rate Consulting

We identify ongoing challenges the industry faces, consult on project design, and develop lasting solutions

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Full Project Feasibility

We fully assess the viability of expected site economics to install an anaerobic digester system

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Our Success Stories Don't Stop There

Bringing efficiency to the forefront.

From Foaming Event To Peak Operations In 3 Months​

In 2015, the City of Elko, Nevada's Wastewater Treatment Plant faced a perplexing issue: a mysterious foaming problem threatened the facility's operations and compliance. The situation risked not only operational inefficiencies but also potential fines of $50,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Enter Digester Doc, whose meticulous testing and analysis pinpointed the root cause of the foaming. By implementing tailored solutions, the plant returned to peak performance, successfully avoiding further incidents and costly penalties.
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1000% Production Increase​

In 2016, New Energy One, LLC, an anaerobic digester facility with six 1-million gallon continuous flow digesters, turned to Digester Doc for assistance in boosting their production. At that time, they faced a critical challenge: a foaming incident led to a system crash, severely limiting their output to just 2MW/day of electricity. Without a clear solution, they were unsure how to prevent future issues or enhance their efficiency. Digester Doc stepped in, conducting a comprehensive analysis of the system's design and microbiology. Through targeted adjustments in temperature, pH, and additives, the team optimized the methanogens' performance. As a result, New Energy One’s production surged by 1000%, reaching an impressive 50MW/day. This remarkable turnaround highlights the impact of Digester Doc's expertise in maximizing anaerobic digestion efficiency.
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