Digester gas from farming and other agricultural operations is generated from the breakdown of livestock waste captured within a large plastic cover, known as a digester. The manure decomposes in the absence of oxygen. Typically, the decomposition of livestock waste on farming operations, or dairies, results in vast sums of methane naturally venting to the atmosphere. However, by capturing this methane with an anaerobic digester, the biochemical reaction converts the methane into a mix of 65% methane and 35% carbon dioxide. Since methane is 21 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, it is highly beneficial to reduce the composition of the methane in the digester mix to lower greenhouse gas emissions. It is known as “methane destruction.” Furthermore, a digester system can provide a source of fuel for heating or generating electricity. Hundreds of farming operations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accrue emissions credits to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) reporting standards, the US Livestock Project Protocol, or to comply with Kyoto protocols.

Sage Thermal Mass Flow Meters help quantify the emissions that are saved by measuring the mass flow rate, even at very low flows, and by providing a straightforward way to conduct the required periodic calibration field checks with its unique In-Situ Calibration procedure. Also, Sage offers flare gas Flow Meters, engine Flow Meters, and a variety of other Thermal Mass Flow Meters that are involved in digester gas monitoring and reporting.