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Analytical tool preferred by scientists and engineers for biogas research and analysis

AMPTS® III

Market-leading analytical tool for anaerobic batch fermentation testing

The Automatic Methane Potential Test System (AMPTS®) is the market-leading analytical tool for anaerobic batch fermentation testing. Now on its third generation, AMPTS III is automated and fully integrated for easy access to sampling, analysis, recording and report generation. AMPTS III houses 18 glass reactors for tests in its standard form, or your can choose the slimmed down AMPTS III Light, which houses 9 glass reactors. 

Article no:
21-0000-01 AMPTS III
22-0000-01 AMPTS III Light

Schematic showing how AMPTS III works in principle

Features

  • Web-based. User friendly web-based software running on an embedded server. No need for software installation on PC, tablet or smartphone
  • Remote access. AMPTS can be accessed remotely and locally from any device with a web browser
  • Automated. Automatic real-time pressure, temperature and moisture compensation
  • Calibration free
  • Multiplexing potential. Possibility of multiplexing allows for simultaneous batch analysis at different start-up times
  • Easy maintenance. Modular design means most parts can easily be exchanged
  • Local data storage. Data stored on the local instrument means no dependence on external computer
  • Easy processing. Data exported as a spreadsheet for further analysis with uniform time axis for easy data processing
  • High data storage capacity. 7200 l of gas per channel
  • Real-time measurements. Measure several gas types, including biogas, in real time
  • Gas composition estimates. Connect in series to get real time estimates of gas composition
  • Effective agitation. Proven strong, reliable, multifunctional agitation 
  • Outputs in various time intervals. Generates outputs ranging from a datapoint every minute to one every day

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AMPTS III

AMPTS III Light

Photograph of AMPTS III for BMP anerobic testing
Photograph of AMPTS III LIght

What is the AMPTS

AMPTS is the analytical tool preferred by scientists and engineers for conducting anaerobic batch fermentation tests. The latest generation of AMPTS comes in two models (AMPTS III and AMPTS III Light) that house 18 or 9 test vials, respectively. AMPTS III automates and simplifies a wide range of testing, including biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests, biogas potential, anaerobic biodegradability studies, specific methanogenic activity (SMA) assays, and residual gas potential (RGP) analyses on digested slurry. With either AMPTS III model, sampling, analysis, recording and report generation are fully integrated to offer users a seamless testing experience.

Cropped image showing the core unit of AMPTS III
Front facing image showing the BPC Core AMPTS III and flow cell units

Determine the true biogas and methane potential

AMPTS allows you to determine the true biogas and methane potential as well as dynamic degradation profile of any biomass substrate. That means you can more easily determine the optimal retention time and mix of substrates for co-digesting, screen proper pre-treatment methods, evaluate the need for additives, and even assess the biological performance of an individual biogas digestor or process configuration.

Reduce labour and skill demands

AMPTS significantly reduces labour demands and risk of human errors when compared to traditional methods or competitive solutions on the market. After a few hours of experiment preparation and setup, the run process is fully automated by AMPTS until the test is over. Experimental data can be easily reviewed in real-time or from a downloaded report at any time, making testing easier than ever before.   

Photograph of thermostatic water bath with reactors

Embedded solution with no need for external computer

AMPTS features inbuilt storage and processing from an onboard embedded microcontroller, which allows the tool to store all gas volume and flow measurements locally. This eliminates the need for an external computer, so you no longer need to worry about losing data due to a computer crash or automatic operational system upgrade that could cost you weeks of research and development work. The large storage capacity of 15 million data points allows for collection of up to 130 000 liters of gas per experiment. 

Photograph of BPC Core Unit with flow cell units

Robust operations with modular design

AMPTS is designed and manufactured in Sweden, adding the best elements of Scandinavian form and function to quality and reliability. AMPTS ensures no data is lost, even if the entire system goes down. The modular design makes the maintenance of AMPTS easy because many parts can be exchanged without sending the instrument to a workshop. 

Standardise and compare results

AMPTS is a universal platform for all anaerobic batch fermentation tests, allowing for the standardisation of measurement procedures, data interpretation and reports. With the real-time temperature and pressure compensation, the measured biomethane volume and flow are normalised under standard condition (i.e., 0 °C, 1 atm and zero moisture) and the measurement interference caused by variations of external measurement conditions can be minimised. This allows for data from different laboratories around the world to be easily compared, thus creating value over and above the high-quality results delivered by AMPTS.

Photograph of BPC Core Unit with flow cell units
Photograph of BPC motor and stirrer

Strong and reliable agitation

Driven by high-quality brushless step motors, the agitation system included with AMPTS effectively delivers gentle, precise, and reliable agitation in a gas tight environment. Its ability to work well even in the harsh environment of anaerobic fermentation is why so many satisfied customers around the world rely on AMPTS as their preferred device for anaerobic bath fermentation testing. 

Photograph of BPC motor and stirrer attached to reactors in a water bath

Measure total biogas and estimate gas composition in real time

With its gas tight enclosed measurement chambers, the new AMPTS III is able to measure total biogas with minimal losses of carbon dioxide. In addition, by connecting two measurement chambers in a series before and after removing carbon dioxide, it is possible to estimate the gas composition in real time. 

Photograph of BPC Core Unit with flow cell units

Application areas

The AMPTS  can be used for a large number of anaerobic bath tests. Examples of these are:

  • Biochemical methane potential (BMP)
  • Biogas potential
  • Specific methane activity (SMA)
  • Residual gas potential (RGP)
  • Biochemical hydrogen potential (BHP)

AURORA™ Software, pre-installed on AMPTS III

Bring your experiment to life with Aurora™ software

Aurora™ is BPC Instruments’ latest and revolutionary software solution for monitoring anaerobic batch fermentation tests. Its slimmed down design makes it optimal for users to set up an experiment, monitor its progress and download results with little effort. Aurora is included and comes pre-
installed on AMPTS without the need for software licences or installation on external computer.   

Computer screen displaying Aurora software
Computer screen displaying Aurora software

Results from anywhere on any device

AMPTS is designed to allow easy access from a remote location using any device with a web browser. Monitor your experiment from your office and home with your computer, tablet or phone of choice. You can also expand the analytical capacity of AMPTS easily by connecting multiple instruments together with an Ethernet switch. With this feature, each AMPTS can be operated as a stand-alone device or connected in parallel, depending on your needs.

References

Reference
Inter-laboratory Reproducibility of BMP

Scientific reference for BMP test

Article title: “Improving inter-laboratory reproducibility in measurement of biochemical methane potential (BMP)”

Authors: S. D. Hafner, H. F. de Laclos, K. Koch, C. Holliger, Water (2020) 12, 1752

Result from two international inter-laboratory studies that include over 40 laboratories from 14 countries in Europe demonstrates AMPTS® II is recognised as the most trustable and reliable automated instruments for biomethane potential (BMP) analysis.

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Reference
Determination of sludge activity by biomethane potential test equipment

Scientific reference on sludge activity test

Article title: “Determination of sludge activity using automated biomethane potential test equipment”

Author: Associate Prof. Bernadette McCabe

National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, University Southern Queensland (Australia)

40th Annual WIOA, Queensland Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition (2015)

The paper provides an overview of the various methods that exist and an insight into sludge activity analysis using AMPTS® and its application in determining sludge activity treating high strength abattoir wastewater.

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Reference
German VDI 4630 international standard on BMP tests

German norm for BMP test

VDI 4630 (2016-11): Fermentation of organic materials – characterization of the substrate, sampling, collection of material data, fermentation tests: batch fermentation tests and continuous fermentation tests.

Publisher: The Association of German Engineers 

The VDI 4630 standard provides rules and specifications for tests to determine the biogas output of organic materials which serve the interpretation and operational optimisation of biogas plants. Thus, it gives comprehensive and practice relevant support for the determination of the biogas orientation of organic materials. AMPTS® is recommended as the only automated test apparatus for biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests based on the batch test procedures in this standard.

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Reference
Online courses on biomethane potential and specific methanogenic activity tests by AMPTS

Online course for wastewater treatment

On-line course for “Experimental methods in wastewater treatment“ produced by TU Delft (The Netherlands)

Authors: Mark C.M. van Loosdrecht, Per HalkJær Nielsen, Carlos M. Lopez-Vazquez and Damir Brdjanovic

Publisher: IWA Publishing

AMPTS® II is used as the recommended experimental platform to demonstrate the execution of the biomethane potential (BMP) and specific methanogenic activity (SMA) analyses.

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Learn more about the Scientific References

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What people say?

The AMPTS systems are more than just data generators; they are reliable tools that have significantly contributed to our research. The user-friendly operation and high level of automation make them stand out among the methods we use for BMP determination in our lab, which include mainly manual methods. Their reliability is unmatched, making them the most popular choice for our research.
PROF. KONRAD KOCH
Technical University of Munich, Germany
…it saves time by enabling quick and automatic batch experiments with very little manual labour, and that it is “student proof”, because the instrument does not require long experience or training before you start using it.
MR. AURELIEN PERRAULT
Project Manager, Sludge & Energy Innovation, Thames Water, UK

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AMPTS III

Learn more about the AMPTS III
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technical document

Features comparison

Compare the AMPTS III with AMPTS II
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Technical Specifications

Flow cell array and DAQ unit

  • Working principle: liquid displacement and buoyancy 
  • Number of flow cell units: 18 and 9
  • Dimension of unit: 55 x 19 x 17 cm
  • Built-in sensors: Temperature, Pressure, Hall, Accelero- meter 
  • Connections: Ethernet, Power supply, USB B, Motor control 
  • Display: OLED 2.8” 256 x 64 white 
  • Housing: Aluminium and plastic 
  • Power supply: 12 V DC / 1.0 A with 100-240 VAC 
  • Usage: Indoor 
  • Measurement medium: Deionised or distilled water
  • Operation temperature: 0 – 50o C
  • Operation pressure: -50 – 50 mbar
  • Gas connector diameter: ID: 2.4 – 2.6 mm; OD: 4.2-4.7 mm 
  • Recommended tubing size: ID: 4 mm;  OD: 6 mm 
  • Measuring resolution: 9 ml (standard) with 2 ml as optio
  • Detection capacity: 7200 l cumulative gas per channel with 9 ml flow cell.
  • Measuring range: 1 to 6000 ml/h for 9 ml flow cell  and 0.2 to 1500 ml/h 
  • Repeatability: CV ≤ 1% for 9 ml flow cell and CV ≤ 3% for 2 ml flow cell 
  • Gases: Non aggressive gases (e.g. CH4 , CO2 , H2 , N2 ,…)
Photo of BPC Core unit

Sample incubation unit

  • Maximum number of reactors per system: 18 and 9
  • Reactor material: glass
  • Standard reactor volume: 1000 ml (with option for 500 ml) and 2000 ml
  • Type: Thermostatic water bath
  • Dimension: 68 x 56 x 33 cm (Thermostatic water bath)
  • Temperature control: up to 60 °C (203 °F) (precision of 0.2 °C) 
  • Mixing in the reactor: mechanical agitation with brushless DC motors (adjustable interval, speed and rotation directions), max. speed 200 rpm
Carbon dioxide absorption unit

Carbon dioxide absorption unit

  • Carbon dioxide trap bottles: 18 and 9
  • Volume of carbon dioxide trap bottles: 250  ml 
  • Dimension of bottle holder: 55 x 28 x 17 (2 pc  and 1 pc)
  • Recommended absorption liquid: 3 M NaOH with pH indicator*, 200 ml per bottle (not included) Absorption efficiency: >98%

*Absorption liquid is not included with the instrument

Introducing long term, reliable incubation with BPC Air

AMPTS III can be coupled with our new BPC Air incubation unit instead of a traditional thermostatic water bath.

The BPC Air is an air-based incubator specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with our respirometer systems. By coupling AMPTS III with BPC Air, you can run tests at a range of temperatures (10 – 60 oC) without worrying about refilling your incubation medium.

Furthermore, BPC Air offers lower power consumption and is a highly mobile instrument that can fit into most available laboratory areas.

Learn more

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Request a quote or book a meeting with one of our product specialists!

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