Atlas Copco UK is playing a key role in supporting Iona Management Services (IMS) at the Leeming Biogas plant in North Yorkshire, contributing to the production of high-quality biogas. By supplying a reliable source of pure oxygen, Atlas Copco is helping ensure the sustainable generation of biomethane that is injected directly into the local gas grid.
Atlas Copco UK initially provided the oxygen generation equipment for the facility during its construction, working through the EPC contractor. Since then, the company has also supplied two additional air compressors and continues to provide maintenance and technical support for both its own equipment and third-party systems on-site.
IMS, one of the UK’s leading independent service providers in the low-carbon renewables sector, specializes in operations and maintenance for anaerobic digestion (AD), combined heat and power (CHP), and biomass projects. The Leeming Biogas plant, which became part of IMS’s portfolio in 2014, processes food waste to generate biomethane. The plant produces over five million cubic meters of biomethane annually, which is fed into the local gas grid. In addition, it produces PAS110 accredited digestate used in nearby agriculture.
Oxygen Key to Efficient Biogas Production
The Leeming Biogas facility utilizes anaerobic digestion (AD) to break down food waste. This biological process relies on microorganisms to decompose biodegradable materials in the absence of oxygen, generating biogas, which is primarily composed of methane. However, to achieve optimal results in this process, oxygen is needed.
James Smith, General Manager at IMS for the Leeming Biogas plant, explained, “It may seem counterintuitive, but oxygen plays a crucial role in generating high-quality biogas. It stabilizes the biological activity inside the fermenters, enhances gas production, and helps reduce unwanted by-products like hydrogen sulphide (H2S).”
H2S, a by-product of the food waste feedstock, poses significant challenges. It is a highly flammable and corrosive gas, potentially damaging equipment and creating safety risks. Moreover, hydrogen sulphide emits a strong odor, often likened to “rotten eggs,” which IMS aims to eliminate for the health and comfort of both staff and the local community.
Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Oxygen Supply
The Atlas Copco oxygen generator plays a vital role in maintaining pure oxygen levels within the biogas production process, eliminating the need for costly and hazardous chemicals. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also supports IMS’s sustainability goals by minimizing chemical use and reducing environmental impact.
As a gas-to-grid facility, the Leeming Biogas plant is subject to strict regulations limiting the amount of oxygen in the final gas stream to less than 1%. Atlas Copco’s OGP10 oxygen generator, which delivers oxygen purity levels of 90-95% at ISO 8573-1 Class 1.2.1 standards, provides a reliable and controlled oxygen supply. While the oxygen dosing process requires regular manual intervention, the OGP10 offers consistent performance and ease of control for the plant’s operators.
The OGP10 uses Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology to isolate oxygen from compressed air, providing high-purity oxygen at a low operational cost. The system is fed by Atlas Copco’s GA15FF rotary screw compressor, with additional backup compressors and air treatment equipment to ensure continuous, reliable operations.
Sustainable Operations and Reduced Carbon Footprint
Since the installation of the OGP10 system, the biogas plant has completed over 62,000 hours of operation, providing IMS with an efficient and cost-effective alternative to third-party oxygen suppliers. By generating oxygen on-site, the facility has reduced its reliance on delivered oxygen cylinders, cutting down on associated carbon emissions.
IMS has praised the reliability of the OGP10 and its compressors, noting the excellent service provided by Atlas Copco. The company’s seamless integration with the IMS team, quick response times, and detailed performance reporting have helped streamline operations, allowing IMS to focus on optimizing biogas production.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
IMS’s commitment to low-carbon energy projects is central to its mission of facilitating the transition to a sustainable economy. James Smith emphasized the dynamic nature of the renewable energy sector, where ongoing innovations are crucial to improving efficiency. He noted that Atlas Copco’s proactive approach in keeping IMS informed about new technological developments ensures that the plant remains at the forefront of biogas production.
“Renewable energy generation is a constantly evolving field, and Atlas Copco helps us stay ahead of the curve,” Smith concluded. “Their support, combined with their technological expertise, enables us to enhance our operations and meet our sustainability targets.”
With the ongoing collaboration between IMS and Atlas Copco, the Leeming Biogas facility continues to play a vital role in the UK’s renewable energy landscape, producing sustainable biogas that contributes to the decarbonization of the energy grid.
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