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Renewable Natural Gas Guide

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) serves as a cleaner alternative to fossil natural gas. As many industries strive to reduce their carbon footprint, this versatile fuel source offers a viable option for meeting global sustainability goals. RNG is compatible with most existing infrastructures, and its many environmental benefits make it a welcome alternative to conventional energy sources.

At Nova Analytical Systems, we are proud to support the global shift toward RNG. Our vast industry experience allows us to deliver advanced solutions that meet the specific needs of various industrial applications. This in-depth guide provides a detailed look at everything there is to know about RNG, covering its applications, benefits it offers, and Nova Analytical Systems’ commitment to contributing to the expansion of RNG in the energy sector.

What Is Renewable Natural Gas?

Also known as biomethane, RNG is a purified form of biogas that can reduce methane emissions while providing other environmental benefits. The following renewable resources can be used to produce RNG:

Agricultural Waste Agricultural Waste
Food Production Plants Food Production Plants
Industrial Facilities Industrial Facilities
Landfill Gas Landfill Gas
Wastewater Treatment Sites Wastewater Treatment Sites

Raw biogas has a CH4 (methane) content range of 45 to 65%, attaining a CH4 level of 90% or higher after purification. When injected into a natural gas pipeline, the CH4 content of RNG rises to an impressive range of 96% to 98%, making it interchangeable with fossil-derived fuels that have a similar methane content. This makes it possible to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping various industries and municipalities achieve energy independence.

How Is Renewable Natural Gas Produced?

The following key steps transform raw biogas into a renewable energy source:

  • Feedstock Collection

    Feedstock collection. The first step involves sourcing wastewater sludge, agricultural residues, food waste, and other organic materials to be used as feedstock.

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  • Anaerobic Digestion

    Anaerobic digestion. Microorganisms effectively break down the feedstock in oxygen-free conditions to produce raw biogas consisting primarily of carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4.

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  • Upgrading

    Upgrading. Removing impurities such as moisture, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and CO2 from raw biogas creates renewable natural gas that meets quality standards for end-use applications or pipeline injection.

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  • Injection or Utilization

    Injection or utilization. The upgraded RNG can be injected into natural gas pipelines or used as a sustainable energy source for power generation, heating, or transportation into natural gas pipelines.

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Applications of Renewable Natural Gas

RNG is a versatile energy source that provides a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, serving the needs of applications such as:

Power Generation Power Generation

RNG supports clean energy initiatives in distributed energy facilities and utilities and is commonly used to power electricity generation systems.

Power Generation

Transportation Fuel Transportation Fuel

RNG significantly lowers emissions and can substitute gasoline and diesel, fueling liquified natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

Transportation Fuel

Industrial Processes Industrial Processes

Many industries rely on RNG for power and heat, reducing their carbon footprint and reliance on traditional natural gas sources.

Industrial Processes

Commercial Heating Commercial Heating

RNG seamlessly integrates with natural gas appliances, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly heating solution.

Commercial Heating

Sustainability Program Sustainability Program

RNG is a crucial part of emissions reduction initiatives, playing a vital role in helping businesses achieve carbon neutrality.

Sustainability Program

As a substitute for fossil-derived natural gas, RNG meets the diverse needs of various applications and has many potential uses. The versatile energy source has the potential to reshape energy systems and advance global sustainability goals.

Benefits of Renewable Natural Gas

RNG is an essential and attractive part of the clean energy transition. With proper monitoring and regular analysis, it can offer distinct benefits for both the economy and the environment. Some major advantages include:

Reducing Carbon Emissions Reducing Carbon Emissions

RNG captures CH4 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, repurposing it as a clean energy source and helping to mitigate climate change.

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Improved Waste Management Improved Waste Management

RNG reduces the impact of agricultural waste and landfill volumes by converting organic waste into a sustainable energy source.

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Promoting Energy Independence Promoting Energy Independence

Locally producing RNG enables self-sufficient energy systems and decreases reliance on imported fossil fuels.

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Leveraging Existing Infrastructure Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

RNG seamlessly integrates into existing natural gas systems and pipelines, reducing the need for additional financial investments.

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Stimulates Economic Growth Stimulates Economic Growth

Producing RNG locally creates jobs in waste management, engineering, and energy sectors, increasing localized opportunities.

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Nova Analytical Systems' Role in Renewable Natural Gas

Nova Analytical Systems maintains a steadfast commitment to supporting the production and quality control of RNG. We offer advanced gas analysis solutions, helping RNG producers achieve industry compliance while maintaining high-quality standards across every phase of the RNG lifecycle.

Our analyzers provide precise measurements and real-time data to ensure:

  • Adherence to strict regulatory requirements
  • Optimization of key processes
  • Reduction of emissions

At Nova Analytical Systems, we work hard to meet the evolving demands of the RNG industry with key capabilities that promote efficiency, quality, safety, and compliance.

Ensuring Biogas Composition and Quality

Beginning with raw biogas, we can provide an accurate biogas analysis of the following elements:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
  • Methane (CH4)

Nova’s analyzers measure the levels of each to maximize methane production and optimize the anaerobic digestion process. By providing real-time, precise data, our methane analysis solutions ensure feedstock variability does not compromise biogas quality, preparing it for efficient upgrading.

Ensuring Biogas Composition and Quality

Monitoring Gas Upgrading Efficiency

Efficient, effective treatment processes are key to meeting stringent quality standards and maintaining safety. For example, upgrading removes impurities like CO2 and H2S, which can damage RNG plant equipment and lead to various health risks. In most cases, our analyzers can continuously monitor CO2 and H2S removal during upgrading, ensuring RNG is ready for end-use applications or injection into natural gas systems.

Monitoring Gas Upgrading Efficiency

Emission Monitoring and Compliance

Nova’s flue gas & emissions analyzers enable reliable monitoring of post-combustion gas, much like they do in traditional industrial flue gas applications. These valuable tools can help identify combustion inefficiencies and measure emissions in combustion applications. This will assist RNG producers & consumers to achieve efficient combustion and to meet regulatory emissions standards by proactively managing and monitoring the flue gases.

Accurate emissions monitoring underscores an ongoing commitment to sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions while possibly helping companies to avoid regulatory penalties.

Emission Monitoring and Compliance

Partner with Nova Analytical Systems for Renewable Natural Gas Solutions

At Nova Analytical Systems, we offer tailor-fit solutions to address the unique challenges that RNG producers face. From process gas analysis to landfill gas monitoring, we configure our products to fit most of our clients’ needs.

Our offerings include:

  • Long-term technical support
  • Stationary and portable options
  • Analyzer training to help producers operate effectively and confidently

As a trusted partner in the renewable natural gas industry with decades of proven experience, Nova Analytical Systems has a reputation for achieving compliance, efficiency, and sustainability. Whether you are monitoring emissions, ensuring pipeline quality, or optimizing biogas upgrading, Nova Analytical Systems has the resources and expertise to support your success.

Contact us today to learn more about our RNG capabilities and how we can help define your sustainability and energy goals.

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