Protocols Protocol: VDI 4630

Protocol: VDI 4630

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.

AMTPS® III

Analytical tool for biogas research and analysis

Learn more

BioReactor Simulator® III

Simulate biogas production processes with minimal effort

Learn more

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)

Related scientific references

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