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Higher energy yield with high-precision biogas sensors

In the production of biogas several gases occur. To achieve the highest possible energy yield, the optimal composition of this gas mixture is very important. However, the precise measurement of the different gas fractions is possible only with high-precision sensors.

Biogas measurements are decisive for plant efficiency

smartGAS offers several biogas sensors for this application. The concentration of e.g. methane (CH4), generated during the fermentation process, can be measured very effectively with CH4 sensors from smartGAS. The CO2 content of the biogas is also important. Normally it should be between 25 and 55 percent for reliable anaerobic decomposition of the organic material. Higher CO2 levels can be indication of incomplete substrate degradation or substrate-related inhibition of bacterial activity.

Highly precise measurements with specially calibrated biogas sensors

Since biogas consists primarily of CO2 and CH4, calibration of the sensors requires a specially adapted calibration curve. Failure to make this adaptation will result in an inaccurate measurement, which impairs the efficiency and operational safety of biogas plants. The specially designed biogas sensors from smartGAS inform plant operators of the exact composition of their gas mixture at all times. This allows them to take countermeasures, if necessary, in order to ensure optimum efficiency.

High-quality CH4 sensors for biogas plants

Methane, with a content of 50 to 65 percent, is the main component of biogas. The CH4 sensors of the FLOWEVO series from smartGAS measure the biomethane concentration reliably and precisely with measuring ranges of 50 Vol.-% or 100 Vol.-%. The linearity error is only ≤ ± 0.6 Vol.-% and ≤ ± 0.9 Vol.-%, respectively. Due to the short response time of < 12 seconds the CH4 biogas sensors provide very fast measurements for optimal control of the fermentation process.

CO2 levels in the fermenter are subject to natural fluctuations

Fermentation in a biogas plant generates a relatively large quantity of CO2. In the growth phase of the plants used for fermentation, this carbon dioxide was taken from the atmosphere and stored by the plants. During the fermentation process the stored CO2 is released – for efficient operation of the biogas plant it is important that the CO2 concentration does not exceed a defined value. Since the quantity of carbon dioxide depends on the exact composition of the biomass in the plant, however, the CO2 levels can fluctuate. To keep the CO2 content constant at 25 to 55 percent it is therefore necessary to monitor the fermentation process.

CO2 sensors from smartGAS measure quickly and precisely

The CO2 sensors of the FLOWEVO series from smartGAS are ideal for this application. With measuring ranges of 50 and 100 Vol.-% (FS) they are, together with CH4 sensors, the perfect combination for controlling biogas plants. The CO2 sensors likewise feature low detection limits, a long life, low drift, and a large temperature range. They provide high-precision measurements within a response time of <12 sec.


All sensors from smartGAS