Turning Residue into a Resource: Airdep’s Success in Tuscany

By Sebastien Provent, Greenlane Renewables

Airdep S.r.l. (“Airdep”) is based in Vicenza, Italy and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greenlane Renewables.

In 2023, Airdep achieved a significant milestone with the installation of its DBC 2000 series biogas desulfurization unit in Tuscany, Italy, for an ultra-high hydrogen sulfide (H2S) application. This innovative plant marked a breakthrough in pollutant abatement, chemical savings, and reduced maintenance costs. chemical savings, and reduced maintenance costs.

By effectively reducing H2S levels in the biogas stream from 12,000 ppm to less than 80 ppm at a flow rate of 2000 Nm3/h, the impact on the client’s processes was overwhelmingly positive. H2S levels vary in different applications but are typically five times less than the 12, 000 ppm in this particular application. This plant is one of desulfurization units installed worldwide. This helps reduce H2s for safe operation.

CHP (Combined Heat and Power) engines for power generation or Biogas Upgrading Plants for biomethane production. The biogas desulfurization unit, featuring two scrubbers, an oxidation tank, and two settling tanks, replaced traditional activated carbon systems, eliminating related maintenance issues. This transition drastically cut activated carbon consumption, preserved the environment, and reduced operational time and costs. Remarkably, within just one year, the Tuscan client recouped the entire investment in the plant.

More importantly, the process transformed H2S into elemental sulphur, a valuable agricultural resource. Airdep is at the forefront of biogas purification, emphasizing sustainable energy recovery through its cutting-edge technologies. The DBC series biogas desulfurization product is a prime example, converting H2S into an ecological by-product with no introduction of oxygen.

Airdep has also developed an impressive new system that aims to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in biogas. This reduces soluble organic compounds by 60-80% and minimizes carbon consumption upstream of upgrading plants. Their ammonia stripping plant innovation achieves a 75% reduction, enabling efficient digestate management. Proudly embracing its Italian roots, Airdep has expanded with a new 5000 m² production site in Vicenza.

To learn more, visit: https://airdep.eu/en/.

For more information, read our Biogas Italian Magazine.