Proceedings

Abstract

Due to the current competition and barriers to growth in the UK AD market, understanding the biodegradability and methane potential of Feedstocks prior to treatment or assigning appropriate gate fee is paramount. Previous studies have shown theoretical estimations of the BMP overestimate the methane yield obtainable. A specific BMP test methodology was reviewed regarding its limitations, uses and how the results can be expressed and interpreted. This study used ~10 years of BMP data from samples taken throughout the UK, spanning across all AD sectors. A high degree of variability was discovered between multiple samples of the same feedstock category, this confirmed the importance of quantifying the BMP prior to assigning a gate fee or accepting the material. Once an accurate BMP result is achieved, the resulting data can be used to aid plant design, improve feedstock management and quantify the revenue obtainable from a certain feedstock.

Keywords

Anaerobic digestion; Biochemical Methane Potential; BMP.