Pioneers in Anaerobic Digestion System optimization
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In 2015, the City of Elko, Nevada’s Wastewater Treatment Plant was experiencing a mysterious foaming problem that occurred every second Tuesday of the month. Digester Doc interviewed plant management, took some samples, and conducted an in-depth forensic study. Upon examination, unusual amounts of metal and oil were found in the mixture. Digester Doc was able to determine that the culprit was either an automotive or mining operation.
Following our sample testing, the City of Elko received our additive recommendation, which stopped the foaming in the anaerobic digester. Upon further investigation, the source of the contamination was a local mechanic. The City of Elko was able to address the local mechanic, who was dumping up to 50 gal of used motor oil down the storm drain each week, curbing any future contamination issues.
The city of Elko lost approximately $30,000 to the foaming incident but saved an additional $50,000 in projected costs by acting quickly. Furthermore, the wastewater treatment plant avoided fines by the EPA for stopping the foaming and returning to peak operational capacity within three months.
New Energy One, LLC approached Digester Doc in 2016 requesting assistance in increasing their production. They are an anaerobic digester facility comprising (6) 1-million gallon continuous flow digesters and were only able to produce 2MW/day of electricity. At this time, the digesters suffered a foaming incident and crash, resulting in lower production. They did not know how to fix it or prevent it from happening again.
Following analysis of the system’s design and through one optimization study, New Energy One’s production skyrocketed from 2MW/day to 50MW/day. This 1000% increase in production was achieved by analyzing the current microbiology and making changes in temperature, pH, and additives to help the methanogens produce more gas.
We are unique specialists in renewable energy that consistently push the boundaries of what is thought possible for RNG. From education to science-driven policy to operational efficiencies, we are on the cusp of innovation in all aspects of anaerobic digestion. Digester Doc is poised to shape the next decade within this industry.
We are positioned to identify industry needs and develop solutions where those needs are unmet in current practice.
We identify ongoing challenges the industry faces, consult on project design, and develop lasting solutions
We fully assess the viability of expected site economics to install an anaerobic digester system
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We will be in touch within the next business day
We will be in touch within the next business day
We will be in touch within the next business day
We will be in touch within the next business day
We will be in touch within the next business day