With BMP testing, any easily degradable organic waste can be assessed for its energy recovery potential. From agricultural residues to industrial byproducts and biomass, the insights gained help design more efficient anaerobic digestion processes, reducing waste and fostering renewable energy production.
Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) testing is a cornerstone for understanding the energy recovery potential of organic waste. It measures the maximum amount of methane produced by anaerobic digestion, helping industries, researchers, and biogas plants optimize operations and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.
The meaning of BMP - Biochemical Methane Potential
Biomethane potential or biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests reproduce anaerobic digestion on a small scale, breaking down complex organic molecules into simpler compounds to produce biogas, primarily composed of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This process evaluates the biomethanization potential of organic waste by determining the amount of biogas or methane producible per weight of the organic substance fed.
Anaerobic digestion serves two primary purposes:
- Waste Treatment: Reducing the organic content in waste and wastewater.
- Renewable Energy: Converting organic waste into biogas for energy generation.
To ensure stable digestion and continuous energy production, maintaining a consistent and adequate feed of organic material into the digester is essential.
How is BMP Calculated?
BMP testing involves
digesting a substrate sample with an active inoculum in incubated bottles
at a controlled temperature. Blank samples, containing only the inoculum, are used as controls. Throughout the test,
biogas/ methane production is monitored over time, reflecting the breakdown of organic material.
The
methane yield from the substrate is
calculated by subtracting the methane production of the blank from the total production of the substrate sample. Results are expressed in
NmLCH₄/gSV, indicating
the methane volume per gram of organic matter based on volatile solids.
Key conditions for BMP testing include:
- Incubation Temperature: 37 ± 0.5°C
- Duration: Approximately 30 days, ending when methane production falls below 1% (or 0.5%) of the cumulative production for three consecutive days.
The standardized reference method for BMP analysis is ISO 11734 (1995), ensuring consistent and reliable results.
Which are the solutions available for BMP testing?
Compact design, ease of use, and high versatility:
The VELP RESPIROMETRIC Sensors simplify BMP testing with a ready-to-use setup, including:
- 6 RESPIROMETRIC Sensors
- 6 bottles for anaerobic digestion
- KOH containers for CO₂ absorption
- Stirring bars and a stirring station (1000 ml capacity)
- DataBox™ for real-time data collection
- RESPIROSoft™ software for analysis and reporting
The RESPIROMETRIC Sensor transmits data directly to the PC enabling real-time monitoring of the analysis curve. Given that BMP studies last approximately 30 days, operators can effortlessly track multiple analyses simultaneously using the intuitive RESPIROSoft™ software.
In addition, the
VELP ERMES Cloud Platform enhances operational efficiency by providing
remote monitoring of your sensors from anywhere, at any time, as well as
immediate notifications and alerts to keep you informed about the status of your analyses.
With the VELP RESPIROMETRIC Sensor System,
BMP testing is simplified, reliable, and efficient, ensuring accurate results and streamlined operations.
Contact our specialists today to learn more about how we can support your BMP testing needs or provide expert consulting to optimize your processes.