Automated BMP Test System with CO2 Fixation and Optical Gas Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological methane potential (BMP) tests are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require expensive equipment, making it difficult to obtain accurate and frequent data on methane production and degradation dynamics in biogas production processes.
Innovation Solution
A system setup for BMP testing that includes a digester with agitation, a container for chemical irreversible fixation of non-biomethane gases like CO2, and a gas flow measuring device, allowing for continuous measurement of biomethane gas without the need for expensive instrumentation like gas chromatographs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual analysis of biogas volume and composition is performed periodically, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but labor requirements and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical measurement system. A transparent container allows optical detection of gas volume through light transmission or reflection principles, enabling continuous automated measurement without manual intervention while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement mechanism between the biogas production system and the observation system. The transparent container acts as an intermediary that translates internal gas volume changes into externally observable optical signals, enabling automated continuous measurement without direct manual sampling.
2Measurement precision
If gas chromatography equipment is used for biogas composition analysis, then measurement accuracy improves, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex, and durable equipment (gas chromatography) with a simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable transparent container system. The container can be easily manufactured from common materials and does not require complex calibration or maintenance, significantly reducing equipment cost and complexity while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the biogas volume through optical means. The transparent container allows the actual gas volume inside to be directly observed and measured through light interaction, creating an optical copy of the physical quantity without requiring complex analytical instrumentation.
3Loss of information
If frequent measurements are performed to capture degradation dynamics, then data quality improves, but labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement of biogas volume over time through the transparent container system. The setup allows uninterrupted optical observation and recording of gas accumulation, providing continuous data on degradation dynamics without requiring periodic manual sampling intervals, thus capturing temporal variations accurately while minimizing time loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This setup reduces labor and time requirements, provides high measurement accuracy, and enables direct, continuous monitoring of methane production, improving data quality and process optimization in biogas production.
Implementation Method 1
at least one container for chemical fixation of other gases than biomethane gas, the other gases being at least CO2, wherein the chemical fixation is based on irreversible reaction(s)
Implementation Method 2
at least one digester with good agitation... anaerobic fermentation in the at least one digester
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system setup for performing an automated biological methane potential test of a biosample by measuring biomethane gas in a biogas flow, the system setup comprising: - multiple digesters; - multiple containers for chemical fixation of other gases than biomethane gas, the other gases being at least CO2, wherein the chemical fixation is based on irreversible reaction(s); and - a flow cells array comprising multiple direct gas flow measuring devices; - a data acquisition system (DAQ unit) configured for continuous and in real-time data recording and analyzing of the gas flow measurements; wherein each digester is connected to one container for chemical irreversible fixation which in turn is connected to one gas flow measuring device; wherein each gas flow measuring device is a liquid displacement measuring device having a gas compartment with one gas accumulating end and one lifting end, wherein gas storing capacity of the inside of the gas compartment is larger at the gas accumulating end than at the lifting end, and wherein the liquid displacement measuring device is operating based on leverage effect, wherein each gas flow measuring device is immersed in a wet space, and wherein each liquid displacement measuring device has at least one sensor means provided to generate a signal and/or change the state of a signal when the gas compartment is not in its initial standby position.