Sales Manager Varec Biogas, a division of Ovivo USA LLC, CA
Abstract Description: For anaerobic digester projects, whether new or an upgrade, will typically need an air permit, or a revision to their existing one. A flare or waste gas burner is used to combust excess biogas produced. It is also used for emergencies when all biogas utilization equipment is shut down, and biogas must be burned to avoid venting to atmosphere. A flare or waste gas burner is considered as a control device because it burns biogas which is 55-65% CH4 or methane. As such, it is included in the requisite air permit application. The State or local Air Board will govern the permit conditions. The type of flare used would depend on these permit conditions. It is the facility’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the permit conditions. For some facilities, a permit application must be approved before commencing any work or construction. Identifying early on what type of flare to use based on the local air board’s permit conditions and whether it requires the plant to satisfy source emissions limits is the first crucial step. Varec will discuss the different flare options available, the typical source emissions criteria, EPA's reference methods for source emissions testing that will assist permit engineer and the owner make an informed decision on which type of flare to use.
