Biogas and anaerobic digestion technologies
Ultrasonic flowmeters in biogas applications
Biogas produced through anaerobic digestion is a valuable renewable energy source, generated when microorganisms break down organic material in oxygen-free environments. This process is widely used in municipal wastewater treatment, agricultural operations, and industrial methane digester systems. The resulting biogas typically exits digesters at high temperatures — between 95–102 °F — and is fully saturated with water vapor.
How ultrasonic flowmeters impact methane digester companies
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Reliable wet gas measurement; ideal for anaerobic digester monitoring
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Accurate methane fraction analysis
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Optimized for multiphase flow conditions
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Flexible installation options
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Reduced maintenance downtime
Addressing the complexities of biogas measurement
Without proper system design, saturated biogas can quickly condense, especially in uninsulated or exposed piping. This leads to:
Free water accumulation, particularly in animal waste digesters and lagoon systems
Multiphase flow, which disrupts ultrasonic signal transmission
Distorted flow profiles, depending on pipe orientation and flow direction
Even in controlled municipal systems, these issues can compromise data quality and operational efficiency.
Instrumentation designed for demanding conditions
Endress+Hauser’s Proline Prosonic Flow B 200 and Proline Prosonic Flow G 300/500 ultrasonic flowmeters are engineered to perform reliably in wet biogas environments. These instruments feature:
Metallic transducers with acoustic matching layers that repel water droplets
Integrated drainage paths to prevent acoustic coupling and preserve signal clarity
Self-cleaning designs that reduce maintenance and improve long-term stability
These features help ensure accurate methane fraction analysis.
System-level strategies for reliable measurement
To optimize performance, methane digester operators should treat biogas as a dynamic fluid system. Recommended practices include:
Installing water separators upstream of the flowmeter to remove bulk liquid
Insulating piping and applying heat tracing to prevent condensation
Choosing appropriate installation orientation, favoring vertical downward flow to align gas and liquid velocities
With these strategies, operators can maintain thermal stability and minimize free water interference.
Supporting renewable energy goals
Accurate biogas measurement plays a vital role in maximizing the environmental benefits of anaerobic digestion. It enables better process control, supports methane capture for energy use, and contributes to sustainable waste management practices. With the right instrumentation and system design, biogas can be effectively harnessed as a clean, renewable energy source.
