Biotechnological Development
Biotechnological processes at PFI are employed for the material and energy utilisation of renewable raw materials. The primary focus is on the anaerobic fermentation of biomass for biogas production.
At PFI, you will find a qualified and competent team aus Naturwissenschaftlern und Ingenieuren verschiedener Fachrichtungen mit langjähriger Erfahrung in der stofflichen und energetischen Nutzung von Biomassen. Den Betreibern von Biogasanlagen bieten wir ein umfangreiches Angebot an analytischen Dienstleistungen und kompetente Unterstützung von der Substratauswahl über die Prozessführung bis zur Vermeidung und Beseitigung prozessbiologischer Störungen.
Currently, the development focus is on advancing biotechnological methanation for use in P2G (Power-to-Gas) systems and other key technologies for sector coupling (electricity, gas, heat, transport). To this end, facilities are being set up and tested at the Energy Park Pirmasens-Winzeln.
Your Contact Person
Dr. Stefan Dröge
Biotechnology
Benjamin Pacan
Research Facilities
Dr. Thomas Fiehn
Biotechnology
Scope of Services
Services:
- Assessment of the quality of silage and other input substrates for the biogas process
- Monitoring and evaluation of the process biology of biogas plants
- Assessment of nutrient status and advice on adequate trace element supply
- Support for biogas plant operators in troubleshooting and optimising biogas production
- Static and dynamic fermentation tests of biomass fractions to determine biogas potential
- Assistance and guidance in the design and approval process of biogas plants
- Expertise in the use of renewable raw materials and residual biomass (see also Method and Process Development)
- Support in the initiation and organisation of research projects (see also Research)
Excerpt from the testing programme:
- Determination of dry matter (DM), organic dry matter (oDM), ash content (AC), chemical oxygen demand (COD)
- Determination of fatty acid content and buffer capacity (FOS/TAC)
- Individual determination of volatile organic fatty acids
- Trace element analysis
- Nutrient determination: carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S)
- Determination of inhibitors: ammonium (NH4+), sulphate (SO42-), heavy metals
- Biogas composition (CH4, CO2, H2S)
- Determination of the acidification spectrum of silage
- Determination of the fertiliser value of digestate
Substrate Analysis
The quality and composition of the substrates used are crucial for biogas production.
To assess substrates for biogas generation, we offer analytical services:
- Static and dynamic fermentation tests to determine biogas yield, biogas quality, and degradation behaviour
- Determination of the acidification spectrum of silage and evaluation of silage quality
- Chemical characterisation of substrates and advice on suitability and optimal dosage
- Method and Process Development
Fermenter Analysis
A smooth fermentation process and sustainable process stability are fundamental prerequisites for the economical operation of a biogas plant. When assessing process biology, we examine all relevant parameters:
- pH value
- Content of water, dry matter, and organic dry matter
- Individual determination of volatile organic acids
- Ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) content
- Buffering capacity (FOS/TAC)
- Conductivity and salt content
- Determination of relevant micro- and macronutrients and evaluation of trace element supply
- Biogas composition, including relevant trace gases (e.g. hydrogen sulphide)
Digestate Analysis
When applying digestate, a balanced nutrient supply for crops is of great importance. For optimal fertiliser planning, PFI determines the fertiliser value of your digestate. Depending on the type of biowaste used, digestate may be subject to both the Fertiliser Ordinance and the Biowaste Ordinance.
Analytical services:
- pH value
- Dry mass content
- Total nitrogen content
- Ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) content
- Nutrient content of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus (K2O, MgO, CaO, P2O5)
- Determination of alkaline-effective substances
- Determination of trace elements and contaminants
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