Onsite Oxygen Production For Biogas

Biogas is a renewable biofuel produced by the decomposition of organic matter and has become an important source of heat and electricity in recent years. Its main components are methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), while it also contains water, trace amounts of nitrogen, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂). However, biogas can contain impurities, especially hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which can cause problems if not treated.

Some biomass used for biogas production may contain high sulfur, which leads to the formation of H₂S. When combined with moisture, H₂S produces an acidic and corrosive mixture (alkaline sulfide), which can cause serious damage to wood, concrete and metal fermentation equipment (such as pipes).

To address these problems, oxygen can be introduced into the biogas production process, i.e. biogas desulfurization. By controlling the oxygen dosage in the fermenter, the growth of specific microorganisms is promoted, and the oxygen has a neutralizing effect when it comes into contact with corrosive gases such as H₂S, preventing damage to equipment and plant surfaces.