A methane digester (anaerobic manure digester) converts the energy stored in livestock waste to methane (or biogas), which can produce renewable energy.

What is Digester Gas?

Digester gas from farming and other agricultural operations is generated from the breakdown of livestock waste when the gas is captured within a large plastic cover, known as a digester. The manure decomposes in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic digestion). Typically the decomposition of livestock waste results in vast amounts of methane, which vents naturally to the atmosphere.

Methane Destruction

The digester creates biogas, which is a mixture of approximately 65% methane (CH4) and 35% carbon dioxide (CO2). This gas can then be captured and destroyed in a process called methane destruction, which is accomplished by burning the gas in a flare or in an engine. While the process creates carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), methane destruction is a very responsible method to reduce GHG emissions since methane is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Renewable Energy

Digester gas can also provide a source of fuel for heating or generating electricity. There are hundreds of farming operations that reduce GHG emissions, accrue emissions credits to meet EPA’s reporting standards, and create renewable energy.

Sage Meter Excels

Thermal mass flow meters can quantify the emissions saved by measuring the mass flow rate. Since the environment is challenging, and there are varying flow rates, many other flow technologies are not suitable. The SAGE meter has rangeability of at least 100:1 and as high as 1000:1, making it extremely accurate over a wide flow ranges, which is needed because of gas spikes and seasonal climate changes. The SAGE sensors are clad in protective 316 SS sheath and protect against corrosion.

The Sage Prime excels in these applications:

• They have low-end sensitivity making them accurate at very low flows.
• The easy in-situ calibration verification procedure complies with EPA requirements.