Energy
Anaerobic Digester System
In 2008 an Anaerobic Digester System was installed at Brook View Dairy. The system consists of three complete mix anaerobic digesters with each having a operating capacity of ̴930,000 gallons each. Substrates that are fed to the digesters include dairy manure and heifer manure. Along with the animal waste fed to the digester syrup stillage, waste produce and fats, oils, and greases (FOG) are also used as substrates for the digester.
Biogas that is generated is used to fuel two Caterpillar G3516 Co-Generators (gensets). Each of the gensets is capable of producing 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Electricity that is generated from the gensets is placed on the local electric grid.
The Digestate removed from the anaerobic digester is processed by FAN Separators to separate the liquids and solids. The liquid which is separated is land applied to utilize the nutrients for crops. The solids also known as “Biofibers” are used for bedding the animals on and off the site.
- Member of American Biogas Council (www.americanbiogascouncil.org)
