Atlas Copco is playing a pivotal role in improving the sustainability of biogas production at Iona Management Services’ (IMS) Leeming Biogas facility in North Yorkshire. The company has supplied and maintained essential equipment, including an oxygen generator and air compressors, contributing to the production of high-quality biomethane for the local gas grid.
Atlas Copco initially provided the oxygen generation system through the EPC contractor during the plant’s construction and later supplied two additional air compressors. The company continues to offer ongoing support to ensure the equipment operates in line with manufacturer specifications, covering both Atlas Copco and third-party equipment.
IMS, a prominent independent service provider in the UK’s low-carbon renewables sector, specializes in offering on-demand operations and maintenance services for anaerobic digestion, combined heat and power (CHP), and biomass projects. Since acquiring Leeming Biogas in 2014, IMS has overseen the plant, which produces more than five million cubic meters of biomethane annually. This biomethane is injected into the local gas grid, while the facility also generates PAS110 accredited digestate used in nearby agriculture.
The Leeming Biogas facility uses food waste as its feedstock and employs anaerobic digestion to produce biomethane. This process involves microorganisms breaking down biodegradable material without the presence of oxygen. Although it may seem counterintuitive, oxygen plays a critical role in optimizing biogas production.
James Smith, IMS General Manager for Leeming Biogas, explains, “Oxygen is vital for grid-quality biogas production. It stabilizes biological activity in the fermenters, ensuring efficient gas generation and reducing harmful by-products such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S).”
H2S, a hazardous and corrosive gas often found in food waste, poses a significant challenge for the plant. Not only is it flammable, but its pungent odor can affect both plant workers and the local community. The presence of H2S also damages equipment, making its control a top priority for IMS.
“The Atlas Copco oxygen generator allows us to use pure oxygen to regulate fermenter activity,” Smith adds. “This approach reduces reliance on costly, hazardous chemicals, benefiting both the environment and the overall cost of operations.”
As a gas-to-grid facility, the Leeming Biogas plant must ensure that the oxygen concentration in the final gas stream remains below 1%. Atlas Copco’s OGP10 oxygen generator provides a consistent, high-purity oxygen supply, making it easier to manage these strict oxygen limits, though manual intervention is still required for dosing.
The OGP10 generator delivers oxygen at a purity level of 90-95%, meeting the ISO 8573-1 Class 1.2.1 standard. Utilizing proven Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology, the system isolates oxygen molecules from compressed air, providing reliable, high-purity oxygen around the clock. The OGP10’s low operating costs and minimal maintenance further enhance its value to the facility. The oxygen is supplied by an Atlas Copco GA15FF rotary screw compressor, with a G15L FF compressor used for instrument air and as a backup, alongside associated filtration and oil-water treatment systems.
With over 62,000 operational hours, the OGP10 and compressors have proven to be a reliable and cost-effective solution compared to external oxygen suppliers or alternative generators. On-site oxygen generation has also reduced IMS’s carbon footprint by eliminating the need for frequent cylinder deliveries.
In addition to the performance and reliability of its equipment, IMS has praised Atlas Copco for its exceptional service. The company’s integration with the on-site team, quick response times, and comprehensive reporting have allowed IMS to focus on optimizing biogas production, further improving the sustainability of their operations.
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