Biogas

Compositional testing, as needed: total solids, volatile solids, chemical oxygen demand, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia, sulfur, ash/minerals, fibers, fats/oils/grease, and selected inhibitors or contaminants, as relevant

• Availability assessment: location, quantities, expected variability, and practical economic considerations such as transport, handling, and seasonal fluctuations
• Handling and preprocessing guidance: reception, preprocessing, storage, pumping, and mixing implications based on feed properties

• Biochemical methane potential (BMP) testing to estimate methane yield and production rate under specified conditions
• Co-digestion evaluation to examine candidate blend ratios and identify potential benefits or risks (i.e., nutrient balance, buffering capacity, and inhibition indicators)
• Interpretation that links results to realistic full-scale operating conditions, using appropriate inocula and clearly stated test limitations

• Laboratory and pilot digestion runs (approximately 5 to 5,000 liters) to evaluate performance beyond BMP tests, including steady-state behavior under repeated feeding
• Operating window evaluation: organic loading rate, temperature regime, mixing approach, trace nutrient needs, and sulfide management considerations
• Stress and upset screening, when useful: feed interruptions, loading changes, pH and alkalinity drift, ammonia stress, and high-lipid conditions
• Monitoring and performance tracking, as appropriate: biogas production rate and composition, volatile fatty acids, alkalinity, ammonia, and solids reduction
• Scale-up considerations: identification of parameters that may change with scale and those likely to remain similar, with uncertainties noted
• Quality assurance protocols ensure data reliability for engineering design and regulatory documentation

• Agronomic and nutrient characterization: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium speciation as needed, salinity, micronutrients, and indicators relevant to nutrient availability and plant uptake
• Pathogen and contaminant testing appropriate for land application permits and regulatory compliance
• Handling and separations evaluation: dewatering behavior, separation technology assessment (centrifuge, screw press, belt press), and downstream handling considerations
• Market assessment support: evaluation of digestate as soil amendment, compost feedstock, or other value-added products
• Coordination with regulatory requirements for agricultural use and nutrient management planning

Measurement-based assessment of common performance issues, including instability, inhibition, foaming, mixing limitations, and sulfur-related challenges

• Recommendations for corrective actions, which may include feed management changes, nutrient or alkalinity adjustments, solids management, and monitoring improvements
• Site visits and on-site sampling when appropriate to characterize operating conditions
• Follow-up testing to evaluate whether changes achieve the intended outcome before broader implementation

• Techno-economic analysis (TEA) based on measured yields, observed operational considerations, and clearly defined design assumptions
• Scenario and sensitivity analysis for key drivers such as feedstock availability and pricing, tipping fees, product pathways (renewable natural gas for pipeline injection or vehicle fuel, combined heat and power, or thermal applications), attribute (i.e., RIN, LCFS, RTC, etc.) valuations, integration options, digestate management, and downtime assumptions
• Cost estimate framing appropriate to project stage, with uncertainty ranges and key assumptions stated (for example, early screening versus pre-engineering or investment decisions)
• Analysis structured to support financing discussions, grant applications, and investment decision-making