Utilizing methane from wastewater treatment plants for electrical power production

Many wastewater treatment facilities use waste gas or digester gas from wastewater treatment as a fuel source of generator sets (gas engines). This gas is comprised mostly of methane and carbon dioxide that is generated by wastewater digesters used in the water treatment process. This waste gas is then captured and used by MWM gas engines to provide the plant with electricity and heat for the digester or other thermal loads.

Waste gas has a heating value between 6 and 6.4 kWh/m³ as well as a fluctuating methane content based on its organic raw materials. The heat generated during power production is utilized as process heat in the wastewater treatment plant and thus saves additional energy costs.

A durable gas engine specifically designed for use with low-energy fuel is the cornerstone of a reliable electric power system. This gas engine drives a generator set to produce electricity.

Our gas engines offer a specialized tolerance to the contaminants in sewage gas fuels by offering additional features.

Features of MWM gas engines for the combustion of waste gas include:

• A crankcase ventilation pump to eject potentially acidic blow-by gases
  
• Specially designed aftercooler cores, cylinder heads, main bearings and connecting rod bearings that are hardened against corrosive elements
  
• A differentiated cooling system to operate at elevated jacket water temperatures to prevent condensation of contaminants

MWM offers gas engines specially matched to waste gas, complete systems as well as containers for combined heat and power. Our customers receive expert advice on how to design, install and maintain power plants designed especially for wastewater plant gas fuel.