Biogas Harvester Demonstration

There is potential for a biogas harvester to serve as a first step in addressing greenhouse emissions, corrosion, odor, and safety issues caused by methane and hydrogen sulfide in collection systems, preliminary and primary treatment, and solids handling. This project investigated the ability of biogas harvesters to recover biogas from raw sewage force mains or other piping at water resource recovery facilities. Project objectives included (1) examining the effectiveness of the harvester to recover methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and other gases as a function of removal efficiencies and remaining concentrations of uncaptured gases; (2) refining the system details and appurtenant mechanical systems so as to optimize its effectiveness; (3) determining the feasibility of removing headworks and/or primary treatment odor control; (4) estimating associated greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Research Partners: Brown and Caldwell, Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department, VandCenterSyd, and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Published in 2023.