The recently opened laboratory of EnviTec Biogas Italia in Verona now offers state-of-the-art equipment for accurate analyses. The 80 square meter laboratory, which is operated by two EnviTec biologists, completes the service offer of the Biogas-Allrounder in Italy.
“Each hour of operational failure of a biogas plant means a considerable loss of revenue for the operator. Hence our entire service management is focused on reducing the failure times to a minimum”, explained Martin Brinkmann, managing director of EnviTec Service. The €90,000 investment in an independent laboratory offers the customers an efficient and, most importantly, a fast analysis: within hours, the biologists have the initial results of a test ready. Thanks to the use of automated technology, it is now possible for the EnviTec service experts to examine a large number of tests in parallel.
Smooth cooperation between service partner and operator
Regular examination of substrates and fermented substrates is essential for the biological long-term support of the running operation. “Fermentation is a natural process which frequently has many variations – no two biogas plants are the same”, said Clemens Willenborg, department head of the biological service. Variations are possible depending on the input type, quantity and quality, and can be detected in time by means of various parameters, so that the necessary countermeasures for a longer disruption in gas production can be taken.
In addition to the scientific laboratory analyses, biological support from the biogas plants depends on a smooth cooperation between the service partners and operators. The best mix, reports Brinkmann from practical experience, is a precise observation of the biology as well as the exchange of ideas and suggestions. Along with a routine analysis and the evaluation of operational data, including optimisation suggestions with regard to feeding, use of substrate and basic technical settings, EnviTec is now able to undertake studies thanks to the laboratory operations. “The cooperation with research institutes helps us to further optimise the applications”, Willenborg explained further.
Altogether, the operators of around half of the 47 biogas plants built by EnviTec in Italy are using the service of EnviTec Biogas. “But also external plant operators can use our service”, said Brinkmann. “The introduction of our laboratory will surely interest plant operators at the upcoming Bioenergy Italy fair in Cremona”, estimated the managing director.
