VDI 4630 (2016)
Fermentation of organic materials – characterization of the substrate, sampling, collection of material data, fermentation tests
- Biogas
- Anaerobic Digestion
- AMPTS III
The German VDI 4630 (2016) standard provides rules and specifications for tests determining the biogas or biomethane production of organic materials and residue gas production after anaerobic digestion. Results from this protocol can be used for feedstock analysis and optimisation of biogas plant production.
VDI 4630 (2016) encompasses:
- Definitions of key terminology
- Substrate characterisation
- Sample preparation
- Analytical methods and protocols
- Batch and continuous fermentation tests
- Evaluation and validation of data
Automatic Methane Potential Test System (AMPTS) III is the research-standard analytical tool preferred by scientists and engineers for conducting various anaerobic batch fermentation tests. AMPTS is the only automated test apparatus referenced in VDI 4630 for biochemical methane potential (BMP), specific methanogenic activity (SMA) and residual gas potential (RGP).
The system consists of 18 parallel reactors and the same number of gas flow meters (flow cells) attached to a detection unit for online, automatic data acquisition. This allows for the real-time investigation of a high number of feedstock samples with high precision and accuracy.
Application Notes
Experimental conditions
Application notes for adapting VDI 4630 (2016) to BPC Instrument’s systems.
Conditions
Mixing (agitation system included with AMPTS III)
Temperature
Mesophillic (37°C) or thermophillic (55°C)
Method & Equipment
Gas volume measurement (CH4 or biogas) using gas meters
Reactor Size
0.5 – 2.0 L
Sample
Application notes for adapting VDI 4630 (2016) to BPC Instrument’s systems.
Inoculum
Digested sludge from municipal sewage waste or agricultural biogas installations.
Amount of Inoculum
400 – 1600 g (depending on reactor size)
Substrate Form
Powder or fragments < 10 mm (all forms supported by AMPTS III)
Inoculum: Substrate ratio (ISR)
≥ 2:1 (2:1 recommended)
Blank & Controls
Blank: inoculum only
Positive control e.g. microcrystalline cellulose
Validation criteria
Application notes for adapting VDI 4630 (2016) to BPC Instrument’s systems.
Replicates
2-3 (3 recommended with AMPTS III)
Test Duration
25-60 days, until a plateau (BMP0.5%)
Other Criteria
Positive control BMP should be within ±10% of the
theoretical (e.g., cellulose: 671-820 biogas or 336-410
CH₄/g VS).
RSD of test material < 15% (homogeneous) or < 20%
heterogeneous)
AMPTS® III
Analytical tool for biogas research and analysis
BioReactor Simulator® III
Simulate biogas production processes with minimal effort
Related news
Related scientific references
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