Optimize Each Stage of Anaerobic Digestion with Biogas Series

Optimize Each Stage of Anaerobic Digestion with Biogas Series

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a powerful biological process that converts organic waste into renewable energy, biogas, through microbial activity in oxygen-free environments. The result? Cleaner energy, lower emissions, and improved returns for operations in agriculture, food waste management, and renewable energy production.

At ELI Biosciences, we developed the Biogas Series to optimize microbial performance at each of the four core stages of anaerobic digestion. From breakdown to methane generation, our tailored inoculants help facilities increase output, reduce downtime, and improve ROI.

Here’s a closer look at each stage of the AD process, and how the Biogas Series works to boost performance at every level.

Stage 1: Hydrolysis

Goal: Break down complex organics into soluble compounds
Challenge: ignocellulosic materials (e.g., crop residues) and high-fat food waste are slow to degrade, leading to solids accumulation and system inefficiency

Solution:

• BGE1 & BGE2 – Contain hydrolytic bacteria that produce extracellular enzymes to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
• BGEH – Features enzyme-enhanced formulations targeting fibrous and protein-rich feedstocks

Results:

• Faster breakdown of complex waste
• Up to 10% increase in digester capacity through sludge reduction
• Supports smoother transition to Stage 2: Acidogenesis

Stage 2: Acidogenesis

Goal: Ferment soluble compounds into volatile fatty acids (VFAs)
Challenge: VFA accumulation can lower pH, trigger foaming, and disrupt microbial balance. Protein-rich feedstocks can also produce ammonia and H₂S, which inhibit biological activity

Solution:

• BGE1 & BGE2 – Support balanced acidogenic pathways, stabilize pH, and regulate VFA production

Results:

• Reduced acid stress and VFA accumulation
• Improved microbial community stability
• Minimized foam and scum formation

Stage 3: Acetogenesis

Goal: Convert VFAs into acetic acid, hydrogen, and CO₂, key substrates for methane generation
Challenge: Acetogens are highly sensitive to hydrogen buildup; gas accumulation can inhibit their activity and reduce methane output

Solution:

• BGE1 & BGE2 – Include acetogenic strains adapted to mesophilic and thermophilic conditions
• BGEM – Contains hydrogen-oxidizing methanogens that consume H₂, supporting a favorable environment for acetogens

Results:

• More stable intermediary gas profiles
• Consistent acetate production
• Better synergy with downstream methanogenesis stage

Stage 4: Methanogenesis

Goal: Convert acetate, H₂, and CO₂ into methane-rich biogas
Challenge: Methanogens are slow-growing and highly sensitive to pH shifts, ammonia, and H₂S. Recovery from disruptions can be time-consuming and costly

Solution:

• BGEM – Our Methane Production Maximizer includes high-efficiency and diverse methanogenic strains that improve methane yield and minimize H₂S formation

Results:

• Up to 25% increase in total biogas output
• Up to 7% improvement in methane concentration
• Greater stability and faster recovery from operational stress

Integrated Performance with Biogas Series

Our Biogas Series is built with a systems-level approach to biological optimization—enhancing each stage of digestion with targeted microbial support.

Product Portfolio:

• BGE1 & BGE2 – Daily-use digestion enhancers for diverse feedstocks
• BGEH – Enzyme-powered breakdown for fibrous and lignocellulosic waste
• BGEM – Methanogen-rich formulation for enhanced methane yield and stability

Scientific Validation: Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) Test Results:

Field-Proven Benefits:

• 75% reduction in hydrogen sulfide
• 5% increase in CH₄ content
• 9% increase in biogas yield
• Consistent performance with grass, poultry litter, and manure feedstocks

Best Practices for Biological Optimization

To get the most out of biological inoculants, maintain optimal digester conditions:

• pH: 7.0–7.2
• Alkalinity: >3000 ppm
• Monitor VFAs and FOS/TAC ratio < 0.4
• Adjust retention time for complex feedstocks

Conclusion: Biology Powers Biogas Efficiency

Anaerobic digestion is only as effective as the microbial communities driving it. ELI Biosciences’ Biogas Series enhances every phase—hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis—by delivering:

• Higher biogas and methane yields
• Reduced operational downtime
• Lower H₂S and ammonia inhibition
• Greater digester stability

By combining targeted inoculants with good operational practices, you can unlock your digester’s full energy potential.

Ready to maximize performance with biology? Let the Biogas Series lead the way.

Contact us: info@elibiosciences.com | 1-800-645-2976