Guidelines and manuals
2024 • Water Environment Federation Upgrading biogas to renewable natural gas (RNG)
This fact sheet is a guide that provides a technical overview of renewable natural gas (RNG) process technologies, specifically targeting Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) utility managers and consultants. It highlights methods for upgrading biogas derived from anaerobic digestion into RNG suitable for pipeline injection, emphasizing the economic and environmental benefits of reducing flaring, generating revenues, and supporting decarbonization. Detailed descriptions of methane purification technologies, including pressure swing adsorption, water wash, amine scrubbing, and membrane separation, are provided alongside guidelines for pretreatment and utility coordination.
Recovered Materials & Products
Energy
Biogas
Waste Streams
Wastewater
Organic solid waste
Confirmed countries
Denmark
What is this tool intended for?
The fact sheet aims to equip WRRF utility managers and their consultants with the knowledge to upgrade biogas into RNG for pipeline injection. It emphasizes the role of RNG in energy decarbonization, revenue generation through renewable energy credits, and environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
How does this tool work?
The document outlines key steps and considerations in biogas upgrading, including:
- Pretreatment: Removal of contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide, siloxanes, and volatile organic compounds.
- Methane Purification: Review of technologies like pressure swing adsorption, water wash, amine scrubbing, and membrane separation.
- Utility Coordination: Steps for engaging with gas utilities, pipeline injection requirements, and compliance processes.
Who might use this tool and with which types of stakeholders?
This fact sheet is designed for WRRF utility managers, engineers, and consultants. It is also relevant for policymakers, environmental planners, and biogas upgrading technology providers.
What stages of a process can this tool support?
- Decision-making and planning for biogas upgrading projects
- Design and selection of appropriate biogas upgrading technologies
- Implementation and operation of RNG systems
What skills, capabilities, and resources are required to use this tool?
Users require a basic understanding of biogas generation, anaerobic digestion, and renewable energy technologies. Familiarity with utility management and regulatory compliance processes is also helpful.
Where can this tool be used?
This fact sheet is applicable globally, particularly in regions where WRRFs produce significant quantities of biogas and where incentives for renewable energy generation, such as renewable fuel standards, exist.
Case examples of where this tool has been used
- Municipal WRRFs exploring pipeline injection for RNG
- Facilities transitioning from biogas flaring to energy generation
- Utility collaborations for RNG compliance and distribution
Get the Tool
The fact sheet is open access and available for download through the Water Environment Federation’s website, after registering a free account.
https://www.accesswater.org/?id=-10101636
Technologies
Anaerobic digestion
Biogas upgrading
Pressure swing adsorption
Water washing
Amine scrubbing
Membrane separation
Themes
Design
GHG emissions
Financing and investment
Waste-to-energy