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Assess feedstock suitability to maximise profitability and maintain compliance
Optimising your anaerobic digestion (AD) process is essential for maximising biogas yields, ensuring process stability, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. A crucial part of this is Residual Biogas Potential (RBP) testing, which helps you assess methane losses and finetune your digestion process.
We offer a customer focussed service for all AD services, from feedstock suitability analysis and RBP testing to Biomethane Potential (BMP) bench scale analysis, PAS110, and process analysis.
Our customer-focussed services at a glance:
- Feedstock suitability analysis
- Biomethane Potential (BMP)
- Residual Biogas Potential (RBP)
- PAS110 & Anaerobic Digestate Quality Protocol (ADQP) full assessment
- Process analysis.
See our FAQs below for more information.
As a water/utilities company, what legislation do I need to comply with for AD testing?
Water and sewerage companies are expected to showcase the stability of digesters and ascertain the remaining biogas potential within their treated sludge to obtain their Environment Agency (EA) permits. We can help you meet these requirements for Residual Biogas Potential (RBP) testing.
Why should I test the suitability of feedstock?
In order to optimise the anaerobic digestion (AD) process, producers can assess the biogas potential of multiple feedstocks. This allows informed commercial decisions to maximise revenue. It’s also important to perform AD testing to maintain compliance with regulations like the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).
Why should I use NRM for AD analysis?
We are the UK’s largest provider of independent analysis to the renewables sector and one of only two laboratories in the UK approved to test to PAS110 digestate quality specification. With over 40 dedicated bioreactors, we can process high volumes of samples while maintaining precision and quick turnaround times of 28 days. Our accredited services help you comply with the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme, ensuring your digestate meets industry standards.
What if I want AD analysis quickly?
Some AD tests take longer than others. Bullet BMP is our most rapid option, with a 5 working day turnaround. Other options take between 10-40 working days. To improve capacity and turnaround times, we have recently invested in 5 new baths for Residual Biogas Potential (RBP) and BMP analysis, taking our total up to over 40 baths. For more information on the different analytical options, see our FAQs below.
Frequently asked questions
What AD services does NRM provide?
We offer a customer-focussed service for:
- Feedstock suitability analysis ranging from basic characterisation to microbial inhibition
- Biomethane Potential (BMP) bench scale analysis with over 40 baths in dedicated laboratory
- Residual Biogas Potential (RBP) 28 day test
- PAS110 (assessing nutrient, PTEs, contaminants, and pathogens), and Anaerobic Digestate Quality Protocol (ADQP) full assessment. Options are also available without RBP
- Process analysis covering pH, ammonium, FOS/TAC ratio, volatile fatty acid (VFA) speciation, potentially toxic elements (PTEs), trace elements, and more.
What counts as feedstock for AD plants?
Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants can use a range of organic material known as feedstocks. UK AD plants will utilise either waste derived & segregated waste food, energy crops or agri waste to produce biogas. These can include any biodegradable animal matter, food and drink waste, processing residues, agricultural residues, crops, or sewage sludge.
What do AD plants do and how can NRM help?
NRM measures the suitability of feedstock for biogas and biomethane potential to improve productivity and profitability in anaerobic digestion (AD) plants.
AD plants help to:
- Provide renewable energy to local houses and businesses, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Provide local farmers with sustainable fertiliser in the form of digestate, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-derived artificial fertiliser. This helps improve soil health and lower carbon emissions.
- Divert organic materials from landfills.
Our AD analysis services help our customers safeguard the environment by using the most suitable and therefore effective and efficient feedstock for their plants.
How do I submit my AD samples for analysis?
- Book our courier service on our website if required
- Ensure that sample volumes are sufficient for the testing that you require (suitable sample containers can be provided on request)
- Ensure samples are packaged and sealed appropriately and kept under cool conditions using a cool box or ice packs during transit
- Please provide paperwork to accompany the samples with your client code and the analysis option required
- All sample containers must be labelled
- Provide any purchase order numbers for us to include on your invoice.
Please contact us to discuss which analysis option is best for your requirements or for advice on how to submit other samples for analysis.
What is theoretical biogas analysis?
Our theoretical biogas test looks at the volume of biogas the feedstock will hypothetically generate based on the nutrient content and a series of accepted conversions.
We test samples for crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat (Oil A/Oil B), ash, and moisture. At a turnaround time of approximately 10-15 working days, this is the most cost-effective solution.
What is BMP analysis?
Biomethane Potential (BMP) analyses simulates the process in an AD reactor to give the volume of biogas produced over a 14, 28 or 40 day time period, depending on your requirements.
A representative portion of the homogenised sample is used. The composition of the gas generated is also determined, producing measurements for CO2, H2S and CH4.
What is bullet BMP analysis?
If you’re looking for a rapid AD analysis option, Bullet BMP is for you.
An NIR scan of the dried and ground feedstock is used to provide a prediction of its BMP and an assessment of microbial inhibition in the sample.
We have a 5 day working day turnaround to help you meet requirements without fuss.
Please note that this service is not suitable for liquid samples with low solids content or samples high in fat or oil, as these cannot be dried.