Measuring Biochemical Methane Potential
Testing biogas production from papermaking effluent or solid waste
- Determine Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP)
- Evaluate the performance of anaerobic digesters
- Potential for recovering energy from effluent
- Suitability of papermaking sludge for anaerobic co-digestion
General informations
The AMPTS II Bioprocess Control apparatus operated by the “Water - Energy - Environment” team can be used to perform biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests on the basis of a solid or liquid substrate:
- Measure the BMP of a papermaking effluent
- Measure the BMP of a sludge
- Measure the BMP of a paper industry by-product
This process can be adapted to test substrate mixtures of various origins (industrial or agricultural).
Technical Data and Achievements
Biochemical methane potential of an effluent
The principle of the test consists in placing the effluent in contact with a selected anaerobic sludge. The quantity of methane released is then measured using the AMPTS II apparatus.
The anaerobic sludge and the effluent to be tested are placed in reactors and the pH is checked and adjusted (pH > 7). The reactors are stirred and kept in anaerobic conditions at 37°C throughout the duration of the test. The biogas generated is transferred via a capillary to a CO2-filled trap vessel and the cleaned gas is sent to a volumetric measuring system which logs the quantity of methane produced.
Testing methodology:
- Characterisation of the inoculum (anaerobic sludge)
- Characterisation of the effluent to be tested
- Performance of the test
- Characterisation of the effluent at the end of the test
- Interpretation of the data and calculation of the BMP of the substrate.
An effluent test lasts between 24 and 72 hours, excluding preparation and interpretation.
This test can also be used to characterise the activity of anaerobic granular sludge.
BMP of a sludge or a solid waste
The principle of the test consists in placing the sludge or waste in contact with a selected anaerobic sludge.
The quantity of methane released is then measured.
Testing methodology:
Characterisation of the inoculum (anaerobic sludge)
Characterisation of the sludge or waste to be tested (organic and mineral matter)
Performance of the test
Characterisation of the sludge at the end of the test
Interpretation of the data and calculation of the BMP of the substrate.
A sludge or solid waste test lasts 30 days, excluding preparation and interpretation.
This test can also be used to characterise the BMP of mixtures of substrates of various origins (industrial or agricultural).
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| BMP test methodology | Example of a methane production curve from an effluent BMP test using anaerobic sludge |