Application: Dairy Digester Biogas
Industry: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Challenge: H₂S Removal in Low-Moisture Gas Streams
Solution: SULFURTRAP® Adsorbent Media
Key Benefit: Reliable sulfur removal with simplified media changeout
As renewable natural gas (RNG) projects expand across North America, operators continue to face challenges associated with biogas cleanup and upgrading. One critical challenge is the effective removal of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which can contribute to equipment corrosion, operational disruptions, and downstream processing issues.
Merichem Technologies recently supported a Midwest RNG producer in addressing a particularly difficult application: treating dairy digester biogas with very low moisture content while maintaining stringent H₂S removal requirements.
Application Challenge
The facility required a sulfur removal solution capable of:
- Performing reliably in low- to no-moisture operating conditions
- Supporting RNG gas quality targets
- Minimizing maintenance complexity and operating costs
- Providing dependable long-term performance
Many conventional scavenging solutions rely on moisture to achieve optimal performance, creating additional operational considerations when treating dry gas streams.
Solution Overview
To address these requirements, the operator selected Merichem’s SULFURTRAP® adsorbent media.
Installed in a lead-lag vessel configuration, the system was designed to:
- Remove H₂S to extremely low to zero outlet concentrations
- Maintain performance during fluctuating inlet sulfur loadings
- Support continuous plant operations
- Simplify media handling and replacement activities
The project leveraged the non-bridging design of SULFURTRAP adsorbent which remains pelletized throughout bed life. This patented characteristic simplifies media changeouts and supports safer maintenance activities.
Performance Outcomes
The installation delivered strong operational performance, including:
Consistent H₂S Removal
The system consistently met gas quality targets while maintaining stable sulfur removal performance.
Reliable Operation
SULFURTRAP continued to perform effectively despite fluctuating process conditions and sulfur loading.
Simplified Maintenance
The non-bridging nature of SULFURTRAP media reduced operational challenges commonly associated with other solid scavengers, supporting simpler and safer changeouts.
Cost-Conscious Performance
The solution supported the facility’s objectives for reliability, maintainability, and overall treatment economics.
Expanding Success Across RNG Operations
Following the success of the initial installation, the technology was adopted at additional RNG facilities for the company.
The project demonstrates how properly selected sulfur removal solutions can help operators:
- Increased gas value
- Protect downstream equipment
- Improve gas quality consistency
- Reduce operational risk
- Manage total cost of ownership
Supporting the Growth of Renewable Natural Gas
This project highlights the importance of selecting sulfur removal technologies that are matched to actual operating conditions. For RNG facilities processing dry biogas streams, adsorbent performance, reliability, and maintainability can play a critical role in achieving gas quality objectives while minimizing operational complexity.
Merichem Technologies remains committed to helping customers overcome complex sulfur management challenges through innovative gas treatment solutions backed by decades of operational expertise.
Interested in optimizing sulfur removal for your RNG, biogas, natural gas, or industrial gas processing operation?
This project was featured in Biogas World Project Showcase Magazine as part of their ongoing coverage of renewable natural gas (RNG) technologies and project developments.