Anaerobic Digester/Biogas System Operator Guidebook

AgSTAR's Anaerobic Digester/Biogas System Operator Guidebook is a comprehensive technical resource that offers best practice guidance related to the operation and maintenance (O&M) of anaerobic digestion (AD)/ biogas systems. It spans all aspects of on-farm AD/biogas production as well as certain utilization processes, providing industry expert experience and suggestions for addressing performance, safety, and other issues commonly encountered with AD/biogas systems. The goal of the Guidebook is to increase the reader’s understanding of what makes these complex systems operate most effectively.

The Operator Guidebook covers technical topics for a wide range of stakeholders, including but not limited to AD/biogas system owners, managers, and operators. It answers fundamental questions about system components, process parameters, and O&M procedures in order to help operators maximize profitability by optimizing biogas yield, improving biogas quality, and improving operating uptime, all while minimizing expenses.

This resource is not intended to serve as a fully comprehensive standalone reference guide, provide regulatory guidance, or take the place of a site-specific O&M manual, but rather to serve as a complement to these essential resources.

The Guidebook is organized into the following chapters:

1. Introduction
2. Digester Basics
3. Operational Fundamentals
4. Process Control
5. Laboratory Testing and Data Recording
6. Fundamentals of Digester Mechanical Systems Screening and Feasibility Studies
7. Biogas Handling and Conveyance
8. System Inspection and Maintenance
9. Odors and Odor Control
10. Safety

• Anaerobic Digester/Biogas System Operator Guidebook (pdf) (4.36 MB, November 2020, 430-B-20-003)