A Heat Exchanger's Role in Methane Digestion Capture
Organic materials release methane when they decompose. Methane digestion is most effective when temperatures are around 100 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. A heat exchanger helps the digester to create the ideal environment for organic matter to break down and release methane.
How Does Digestion Occur and How Can a Heat Exchanger Help?
The processes inside of an anaerobic digestor rely on microorganisms that feed on organic waste, including manure, food waste, and other agricultural waste products. The byproduct of their feeding is biogas, which is primarily methane with a small amount of carbon dioxide. These bacteria require a warm, oxygen-free environment to do this, which is where a heat exchanger enters the picture.
As sludge passes through the patented non-clog Komax Systems, Inc. Klean wall sludge heat exchanger, hot water or steam heats it up. This encourages bacterial activity, which improves the efficiency of the digester. Our line of heat exchangers includes:
- Komax Systems Klean Wall Sludge/ Manure Heat Exchangers: Utilizing boiler hot water to indirectly heat sludge, this unit can handle sludge/manure flow rates from 100 to 5,000 GPM. It operates more efficiently than spiral-type or conventional shell and tube exchangers. This tube-in-tube design utilizes Hi-pass mixing elements to create high turbulence at the pipe walls, thereby eliminating sludge deposition on the pipe walls.
Where Are Sludge Heat Exchangers Used?
A heat exchanger's use varies between industries. Those who can benefit from our systems include:
- Agriculture
- Dairy Farms
- Food Prosessing
- Wastewater Treatment
Why is Methane Captured?
Methane is one of the most common greenhouse gases, meaning manure and other agricultural waste can contribute to climate change. Methane collection directly lowers the amount that gets released into the environment and atmosphere. It also reduces reliance on fossil fuels for heating, power generation, and transportation.
Methane capture keeps this harmful gas from the atmosphere and, through proper processing in an anaerobic digester, turns it into a useful fuel. Learning how to capture methane gas resulting from the digestion process offers a fuel source from otherwise useless waste.
What Is Methane Used For?
You can use the methane produced from a biodigester for various applications. One of the most common uses is powering agricultural and manufacturing equipment. You can also burn methane for heat or power generation. With minor processing, you can use it to power natural gas vehicles.
Learn How Komax Heat Exchangers Can Help You Capture Methane
Komax Systems produces high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective heat exchangers. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how they can help improve your digestion system and lower the overall operational cost.