86% Increase in Biogas at Potato Processor with BG Max 3000

With the addition of BG Max 3000 to an anaerobic treatment unit, a major potato processor dramatically increased the production of biogas from its wastewater treatment facility.

Benefits

• 112% increase in biogas yield per kg of COD removed
• 86% increase in biogas production overall
• Enhanced COD removal in the anaerobic system
• Reduction of floating grease buildup in the anaerobic treatment unit

Background

The plant had an anaerobic internal circulation (IC) reactor that converted starchy wastewater to biogas. The plant operators wanted to increase COD degradation in the IC and increase the amount of biogas generated for additional cost savings.

Application

The facility produces French fries and potato flake used in a variety of food products. It uses a multistage wastewater treatment process that includes both anaerobic and aerobic treatment units to treat 2,800 m³/day (0.74 MGD) of starchy wastewater (4,000 mg/L COD). The biogas generated in the IC is utilized as fuel for the boiler system. A trial was executed using BG Max 3000 to demonstrate its ability to improve biogas production and lower treatment costs.

BG Max 3000

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BG Max 3000

BG Max 3000 is a robust biological formulation combining beneficial microorganisms and fast-acting enzymes. BG Max 3000 is a unique product designed to maximize the performance of a variety of anaerobic treatment units from up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors (UASBs) to covered lagoons.

• Supports rapid and trouble-free start-up
• Improves COD Degradation
• Increases the quantity of biogas generated by the system
• Helps maintain biogas purity

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Results

Over a 90-day period, BG Max 3000 resulted in an 86% increase in biogas production. The enhanced conversion of organic compounds to biogas was evident by a 112% increase in biogas yield from 0.34 to 0.72 m³/kg (5.5 to 11.6 ft³/lb.) COD removed. This also contributed to decreased loading to the aerobic system, thereby reducing the energy demand. An additional side benefit of this application was a reduction in floating grease buildup in the anaerobic system.

Conclusion

The addition of BG Max 3000 to the anaerobic treatment system of a potato processor increased biogas production and improved treatment efficiency. This resulted in:

• Offset natural gas purchases
• Decreased energy demand
• Lowered overall cost of treatment
• Improved sustainability