Innovative System Upgrade for Easy Analysis of Biogas, Sewer Gas and Landfill Gas

Hermann Sewerin GmbH (Germany) has developed a new stationary measuring device for the automatic measurement and monitoring of gas quality: BioControl 2. It is designed for use in biogas plants, landfills, wastewater treatment plants and composting plants.

The BioControl 2 is the “little brother” in the family of the well-established Multitec BioControl, which has already been on the market for four years. Whilst the BioControl 4 and 8 are recommended for larger plants with their extensive configuration options and the option of up to eight measurement locations, the BioControl 2 is more geared towards small and medium-sized plants. The two fixed measuring inputs on the stationary unit of this new device combination offer all you need for the automatic, effortless and precise measurement of the gas composition in a plant. Until now, mobile measuring devices have often been used for example at biogas plants, however these do not allow stationary automated process optimisation. The BioControl 2 fulfils the main measuring requirements of small to medium-sized plants and thus represents a cost-effective, simple entry-level device for automated process optimisation and control.

Just like its big brothers, the user-friendly BioControl 2 boasts a colour touchscreen, which clearly displays the data and progression. Other features include configuration options according to individual requirements, fully adjustable measuring parameters, limits, alarm signals, autonomous saving of measurement values and settings (USB) as well as an easy to service operating concept. The Multitec 540 or the Multitec 545 is stored in a special holder from which it can be easily removed for mobile, i.e. manual measurements – even at remote measurement locations in the plant. The Multitec 540 and Multitec 545 are multigas meters that can measure up to five gases simultaneously.

 Infrared sensors calculate the methane and carbon dioxide concentration of a gas mixture, while additional electrochemical sensors monitor the oxygen, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide content (Multitec 545: H2S measuring range 5,000 ppm, Multitec 540: 2,000 ppm). The manufacturer advises operators of wastewater treatment plants to use the Multitec 545 because of the high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide prevalent there.

Operators of biogas plants should continuously analyse, control and optimise the production process. Variations in the substrate mix used and thus the methane content of the biogas can affect the efficiency of the motor. The Multitec BioControl system allows continuous automated monitoring, recording and control of the process, for example by responding to changing gas qualities and reduced efficiency by making substrate adjustments. It can also keep harmful gas concentrations to a minimum. Multitec BioControl is the ideal solution for minimising damage to components and high costs due to downtime.

The new BioControl 2 is the time-saving and cost-saving entry-level model for an easy and cost-effective switch to automated process monitoring and control. Operators of biogas plants who already have the Multitec 540 will benefit from the low-cost and easy switch to constant automated process monitoring with the stationary BioControl 2 device. The BioControl 2 offers plant manufacturers another even more cost-effective alternative. The product is due for launch in early 2016.