The Fitec Digester Health Monitor

The Importance Of Bicarbonate Monitoring

Bacteria in anaerobic digesters require a pH-value in the range of about 6.5 to 8 to efficiently produce biogas. Stabilization of the pH-value within this range is predominantly obtained (> 85%) by the release of large amounts of bicarbonate (a buffering compound) from the anaerobic decomposition of organic wastes.

Process interruptions, such as overfeeding, often result in increased concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and to decreasing amounts of bicarbonate as these acids consume the bicarbonate.

If these interruptions continue, the supply of bicarbonate will become depleted leading to a rapid decrease in the pH-value and subsequently a reduction biogas production and in extreme cases, complete biological collapse leading to plant failure.

Advantages Of Process Control With An Inline Bicarbonate Monitor

◆ Process interruptions are detected much earlier than by pH-value analysis

◆ Rapid response gives operators more time to avoid economic losses

◆ Ease of operation with results in just 5 minutes!

◆ Fully automated with no messy sampling

◆ The data is easy to understand

◆ No calibration required

◆ Very low operating costs

◆ Robust and approved analytical method