The Role of Gas Scrubbing in Biogas Production

Biogas is an eco-friendly renewable energy source that has the potential to significantly lower carbon emissions across numerous industries. It is produced by breaking down organic matter such as animal waste and food scraps, requiring the use of advanced filtration technologies to ensure optimal quality.

Water gas scrubbers play a critical role in the biogas production process. These advanced technologies eliminate harmful particulates and liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas to ensure a high-purity end product. At Spiral Water, we support biogas production by providing innovative filtration systems designed for high solids separation and concentration. Used during the prefiltration stage of the biogas production process, our systems are capable of conditioning feedstocks for higher-yield gas production.

Below, learn more about the role of gas scrubbing in biogas production and how our products benefit the process.

The Role of Gas Scrubbing in Biogas Production

Water gas scrubbers play a significant role in biogas production and are frequently used in the following processes:

Gas Purification

Water gas scrubbers efficiently remove impurities from gas streams in biogas production, ensuring that the end product is clean and suitable for use.

Cooling & Moisturizing

Gases can get extremely hot during biogas production. Water scrubbers help cool the gas stream to ensure safe handling and subsequent storage and transport. Depending on the specific requirements of the downstream process, water gas scrubbers can also add moisture to the gas stream if needed.

Dust & Particulate Removal

Particulates and dust are frequently generated in biogas production methods involving solid catalysts or other solid materials. Water gas scrubbers effectively capture and remove these particulates from the gas stream to ensure the gas is of the highest purity level.

SOx and NOx Removal

If the gas is being utilized in direct combustion engines, fuel cells, or other applications where it might be combusted, all nitrogen oxides (NOx) or sulfur oxides (SOx) in the gas must be removed to prevent pollution and corrosion. Water gas scrubbers can significantly reduce these harmful elements.

CO₂ Removal

While green gas production strives to be carbon-free, some processes can still include traces of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Water gas scrubbers can help remove CO₂ from the gas stream, particularly when combined with chemical absorbents that improve scrubbing efficiency.

Advantages of Using Water Wash Gas Scrubbing in Biogas and Production

Using water wash gas scrubbers in the biogas production production process offers numerous advantages, including:

High Efficiency. Water gas scrubbers can effectively remove a diverse range of impurities from a gas stream.
Scalability. Gas scrubbers can be easily scaled up or down to meet your capacity requirements for biogas production.
Gas Purity. Water used in scrubbers can become contaminated with these impurities. With SWT, this water can be used in water recirculation to filter out this waste. This leads to improved overall gas purity.
Environmental Friendliness. Water gas scrubbers use water, a non-toxic and readily available solvent that makes the gas scrubbing process more eco-friendly.
Less Maintenance. Regular maintenance is usually required to keep the scrubbers functioning efficiently, including monitoring, and replacing any filters. SWT does not require any replacement or absorbents used in conjunction with the water.
Cost-Effective. Water scrubbers are cost-effective compared to other gas purification methods, particularly when used for large-scale operations.

Spiral Water™ Products Used in Renewable Natural Gas Production

Spiral Water Technologies (SWT) filtration products are essential in the early stages of biogas production, a crucial point for removing as many contaminants as possible to provide a better quality fuel product. More specifically, our products can be used in three main areas of biogas production:

Feedstock Conditioning (results in increased gas production)
Feedstock Thickening
Automated Water Recovery and Reuse Filters for Water Wash Scrubbing of Gas

SWT T1000: Water Wash Counter-Flow Scrubbing of Biogas (T100-TPX, Automatic High TSS Variable Solids, 15-micron Filter)

Our Series 1000 models can handle TSS exceeding 500 ppm and remove bulk soilds up to 15,000 mg/l all while filtering particle sizes from 15 to 1500 microns. Our T100-TPX is part of our industrial line, and can be used for water wash counter-flow scrubbing of biogas. Spiral Water offers the most robust variable solids water recovery filter on the market. Wet scrubbing helps to effectively remove H2S, CO₂, and various other impurities to improve the quality and calorific value of the biogas. Learn more about the T1000-TPX in our spec sheet here.

When used for these applications, our systems filter, concentrate, and purge contaminants from the water to enhance water reuse. The filtered water can then be used in the gas scrubber, which uses a counter-flow water feed. The water is then recirculated back to the filtration system where it can be filtered and used again.

See Our Series 1000 Automatic Self-Cleaning Filters

Why Choose Spiral Water Technologies Products?

Gas scrubbers contribute to the biogas production process by effectively removing impurities for a higher-quality end product. At Spiral Water, our innovative filtration solutions can be used for feedstock conditioning as well as water recovery and reuse for water wash gas scrubbing. Our products play a critical role in the prefiltration stage of biogas production, offering numerous benefits such as minimal maintenance, increased gas production, improved gas purity, reduced water waste, and many more. Engineered with our patented technology, Spiral Water’s filtration systems come with a suite of design features that ensure reliable and powerful performance for producers of biogas.