Atlas Copco is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability of biogas production at the Leeming Biogas facility in North Yorkshire. By supplying high-quality, reliable oxygen through its OGP10 oxygen generator, Atlas Copco is helping Iona Management Services (IMS) optimize the production of biomethane for the local gas grid. The partnership extends beyond equipment provision, with Atlas Copco also offering ongoing support for maintenance and service, ensuring smooth operations at the facility.
IMS, a prominent player in the UK’s low carbon renewable energy sector, has operated the Leeming Biogas plant since 2014. The plant processes food waste to produce over five million cubic meters of biomethane annually, which is directly injected into the local gas grid. In addition, the facility produces PAS110 accredited digestate, which is used as a soil conditioner on nearby farmlands.
The Critical Role of Pure Oxygen in Biogas Production
The Leeming Biogas facility uses anaerobic digestion, a biological process where microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. While anaerobic digestion itself does not require oxygen, the process at Leeming Biogas relies on a steady supply of pure oxygen to maintain efficient operations and high-quality biogas production.
James Smith, General Manager for IMS at the Leeming Biogas plant, explains, “It might seem counterintuitive, but oxygen is essential for optimizing the biological processes within our fermenters. It stabilizes the biological activity, ensuring efficient gas generation and minimizing the production of harmful by-products like hydrogen sulfide.”
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a common by-product in biogas production, is a highly flammable and corrosive gas. It is particularly concerning at Leeming Biogas, where food waste with a high sulfur content is processed. The presence of H2S not only poses safety risks but also causes damage to downstream equipment and generates a strong, unpleasant odor. As a result, IMS prioritizes minimizing its presence in the gas stream.
How Atlas Copco’s Oxygen Generator Contributes to Efficiency
The Atlas Copco OGP10 oxygen generator plays a crucial role in reducing the reliance on hazardous chemicals and lowering operational costs. Smith adds, “The ability to regulate biological activity with pure oxygen reduces the need for expensive chemicals, making the process more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.”
As a gas-to-grid operation, the Leeming facility must ensure that the final biomethane gas stream contains less than 1% oxygen. The Atlas Copco OGP10 helps IMS meet these stringent requirements with precise control of oxygen levels, although manual intervention is still required for optimal operation.
Reliable and Sustainable On-Site Oxygen Generation
The OGP10 oxygen generator offers 90-95% purity oxygen at ISO 8573-1 Class 1.2.1 standard, ensuring that the oxygen supplied meets the facility’s high-quality requirements. Using proven Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology, the OGP10 isolates oxygen molecules from compressed air, providing a continuous and reliable supply of high-purity oxygen. The OGP10 is powered by an Atlas Copco GA15FF rotary screw compressor, and IMS also uses a G15L FF compressor as a backup, along with additional filtration and air treatment systems to ensure reliable performance.
After over 62,000 hours of operation, the OGP10 and associated compressors have proven to be a dependable and cost-effective alternative to third-party oxygen suppliers. On-site oxygen generation also contributes to sustainability by eliminating the carbon footprint associated with regular deliveries of oxygen cylinders.
Atlas Copco’s Ongoing Support for Sustainable Operations
In addition to the performance of the OGP10 oxygen generator, IMS values the comprehensive support provided by Atlas Copco. The integration of Atlas Copco’s team with the on-site IMS staff, along with prompt response times and detailed reporting, allows IMS to focus on optimizing biogas production. The ongoing service ensures that the Leeming Biogas plant remains efficient and sustainable as it continues to contribute to the UK’s renewable energy goals.
Atlas Copco’s equipment and service are helping Iona Management Services enhance the sustainability of biogas production, reduce environmental impact, and maintain a reliable and cost-effective supply of oxygen at the Leeming Biogas facility.
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