Methane (anaerobic) Digesters

A methane digester system, commonly referred to as an AD (anaerobic digester), is a device that promotes the decomposition of manure or 'digestion' of the organics in manure to simple organics and gaseous biogas products.

• Manure is regularly put into the digester after which the microbes break down the manure into biogas and a digested solid.
• The digested manure is then deposited into a storage structure.
• The biogas can be used in an engine generator or burned in a hot water heater modified for biogas. AD systems are simple biological systems and must be kept at an operating temperature of 100 degrees F in order to function properly. (Manure Matters newsletter No. 7 v. 10).

Note: The economics in Nebraska for digesters (link to newsletter v n ) are more difficult than other areas of the country because electrical rates are much lower relative to other parts of the country, and thus makes them less feasible.

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