OLIGAS is a tailored trace element supplement designed to optimise the fermentation performance of your anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. Available as a liquid or powder, each OLIGAS formulation is custom-made to address the specific micronutrient deficiencies of an individual biogas plant. By ensuring the digester’s microbial community has all essential trace elements, OLIGAS helps maintain a balanced, high-performance fermentation process. This leads to improved methane yields, greater process stability, and the ability to quickly recover from suboptimal conditions such as acidosis or feedstock changes.
Rapid Performance Recovery: Helps rapidly restore biogas production in the event of poor output or an acidosis upset. This means minimal downtime and quick rebound to optimal methane generation.
Customised Micronutrient Blend: Each batch is fully customised based on your feedstock and digestate analysis, with quarterly inspections and tailored dosing plans. This targeted approach resolves specific nutrient deficiencies.
Consistent Methane Yields: Supports consistent biogas production by stabilising fermentation. With OLIGAS, plants can reduce the peaks and troughs of output, leading to steadier electricity generation and easier operation.
Flexible Application: Liquid or powder form for versatile feeding options. The concentrated formula means it typically requires weekly dosing rather than daily, simplifying operations.
Expert Support: Analytical evaluation and consultation from biogas specialists, ensuring the right elements are supplemented at the right time. Regular digestate testing is used to confirm effectiveness and adjust the formulation if needed.
OLIGAS works by providing the essential trace elements that AD microorganisms (especially methanogenic archaea) need for their enzymes and metabolic processes. By eliminating micronutrient deficiencies, OLIGAS speeds up the metabolism of volatile fatty acids and other intermediates into methane. This accelerated conversion of accumulated acids reduces imbalances and allows the digester to run more efficiently. In short, OLIGAS improves microbial activity and stability, leading to higher methane production and a healthier fermentation process.
Each OLIGAS program is bespoke. Generally, after a professional analysis of your digestate, a weekly dosing regimen is implemented instead of daily dosing (thanks to the high concentration formula).
For example, the powder form comes pre-packaged in biodegradable bags sized for the exact dose needed, so operators can dose directly with no measuring or spillage.
Liquid OLIGAS can be metered into the digester or feed system using a pump. The typical dosage frequency is weekly, but the amount per dose will depend on plant size, feedstock type, and the results of ongoing nutrient analyses. Realistic Agri’s biologists will create a quarterly, six-monthly, or yearly supplementation plan with weekly doses tailored to your plant’s needs.
OLIGAS is available in liquid or powder form:
Liquid OLIGAS is supplied in easy-to-handle containms or IBCs) and can be pumped directly into the digester or premix tank. Pack sizes commonly include 25 L cans or 200+ L barrels for larger installations.
Powder OLIGAS is delivered in biodegradable paper bags containing the pre-measured weekly dose. These bags can be added whole into the feed system (they dissolve in the mix), eliminating dust and handling of loose powder. The standard packaging is on pallets for bulk storage, and each bag might weigh a few kilograms as determined by your dosing plan.
Both forms should be stored in a dry place and, in the case of liquid, protected from extrems. Normal PPE (gloves, eye protection) is recommended when handling the product to avoid contact with skin or dust inhalation.
Optimizing your digester with OLIGAS can yield a significant return on investment. By boosting methane output and stabilising the process, OLIGAS directly contributes to higher energy production and revenue. In one case study, a 4 MWe biogas plant that trialed OLIGAS saw a nearly 10% increase in electricity generation, translating to an additional £976 per day after subtracting the cost of OLIGAS, this was a net benefit of ~£876 per day – roughly an 800% ROI over the trial period.
Beyond direct energy gains, OLIGAS’s ability to prevent crashes and recover production quickly means you avoid costly downtime or emergency interventions. Feedstock utilisation is also improved, as more of the organic input is converted to biogas rather than being wasted. All these factors – increased energy sales, more efficient use of feedstock, and reduced operational hiccups – contribute to a strong financial return for plants using OLIGAS.