Biogas purification technologies

Highly selective and flexible membrane separation solutions for raw biogas from digesters or landfills into valuable and high-purity specifications of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) or biomethane

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Maximize your biomethane yield with Air Liquide. We utilize state-of-the-art polymer hollow fiber membrane technology to efficiently upgrade raw biogas into high-purity Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), delivering unmatched reliability and recovery rates.

Air Liquide offers its full, unique expertise and innovative capabilities across the entire biogas process, from collection to final use. This includes:

  • researching the best combination of materials to improve for methane concentration,
  • manufacturing the most efficient membrane fibers
  • proprietary pretreatment systems with well proven track record for removal of impurities, including VOC, Siloxanes and others; 
  • and providing engineering design for the upgrading systems ready for connection to post-purification units. 

Furthermore, Air Liquide offers training and field services to its customers in a long term partnership.

Advanced biogas upgrading units

To upgrade raw biogas to pipeline-quality specifications, impurities such as carbon dioxide, water, and hydrogen sulfide must be efficiently removed. Air Liquide’s state-of-the-art polymer hollow fiber membranes selectively separate methane (CH₄) from carbon dioxide (CO₂).

This robust and highly stable separation process is the foundation of our biogas upgrading systems. The membranes feature a well-proven track record for resisting VOCs and Siloxanes, and with proper maintenance, they boast an operational lifetime of more than 10 years.

Scalable, plug-and-play efficiency

Our standard units and customized systems are designed as "plug & play" solutions. They are easy to install, operate, and maintain, requiring very low supervision.

  • Easy-to-operate biogas upgrading systems: Plug & play standard units or customized systems easy to install, operate and maintain with low supervision needs.
  • High purity & recovery: Generate biomethane (RNG) with CH4 content from 96.5% to 99% and achieve recovery rates up to 99.5% to meet the most stringent pipeline and fuel specifications.
  • Flexibility across sources: Our systems successfully treat raw biogas from a variety of sources, including agricultural digesters, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and food waste digesters.
  • Scalable solutions: Our technologies are designed to handle a wide range of flow volumes (50 to 15,000 SCFM), offering adaptable solutions from equipment-only to full project development to match your specific project needs.
  • Robust & reliable: Benefit from the most robust and stable membrane separation technology for your biogas purification requirements. Our membranes can last more than 10 years with proper maintenance.

  • 35+ years of experience in gas separation membrane

  • 17+ years of experience in biogas upgrading

  • 250+ biogas purification units designed and installed worldwide

Did you know?

The Impact of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

The production of RNG from biogas is a perfect convergence of waste management and clean energy generation. Organic waste streams naturally decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By capturing and purifying this biogas, we prevent harmful emissions and promote a circular economy.

Once upgraded, RNG is chemically identical to conventional natural gas. It serves as a direct, "drop-in" substitute for fossil fuels, meaning it can be injected directly into the natural gas grid, compressed (CNG), or liquefied (LNG) without modifying existing infrastructure. It offers a practical and immediate solution for decarbonizing residential heating, heavy-duty transportation, and public transit fleets.

Biomethane AG Station

The Biomethane AG Station uses Air Liquide's technology and successfully provides a sustainable energy solution for Brazilian family farms. It enables farmers to convert biomass waste into clean, renewable fuel for agricultural machinery, reducing fossil fuel dependence and emissions while improving economic viability. The robust, user-friendly design promotes easy adoption. This successful model is scalable for future expansion, accelerating agriculture's transition to a low-carbon future, as evidenced by positive farmer reception and tangible benefits.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How does membrane separation for biogas work?

It utilizes state-of-the-art polymer hollow fiber membranes to highly selectively separate methane from carbon dioxide and other impurities.

What is the typical methane recovery rate?

Our advanced membrane systems achieve exceptional efficiency, generating biomethane (RNG) with a methane recovery rate of up to 99.5%.

What types of raw biogas can be treated?

The flexible systems successfully treat raw biogas from a variety of sources, including agricultural digesters, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and food waste digesters.

Documentation

Contact us

Send us a message: nam-biogas@airliquide.com