From Biogas to Biomethane: Driving Efficiency Through Cutting-Edge Biogas Compressors

Manoj Purohit, Product Marketing Manager at Atlas Copco Compressors (USA)

Nov’2025 

Biogas is a renewable energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural waste, food waste, and animal manure. In this process, microorganisms break down the organic matter in the absence of oxygen, generating a mixture of gases primarily composed of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), along with trace elements such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), water vapour (H₂O), nitrogen  (N₂), and oxygen (O₂). 

The methane-rich biogas can be used as fuel for cooking, heating, and electricity generation. It can be upgraded to biomethane for applications such as refuelling natural gas vehicles (NGVs) and injection into the gas grid. Biogas production not only provides clean energy but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and manage organic waste sustainably. 

Biogas upgrading is the process of purifying raw biogas (produced from anaerobic digestion) to increase its methane content and remove impurities, turning it into biomethane. Upgrading removes CO₂, H₂S, and water vapour to achieve >95% methane purity, making it suitable for various applications.  

Common upgradation technologies are as below:

Gas Compressors play a crucial role in the biogas upgrading process by increasing the pressure of incoming low-pressure gas to the required pressure based on the specific technology. Higher pressure enhances separation efficiency, enabling the removal of CO₂ and other impurities to produce biomethane.  

This biomethane is then further compressed using high-pressure compressors for applications such as grid injection or vehicle refuelling. CO₂ separated during upgrading is compressed and often liquefied for industrial applications such as food & beverage carbonation, dry ice production and other uses. 

In this article, we will explore more about Atlas Copco’s GG biogas compressor and its value offering in the biogas upgradation cycle.  

The GG compressor is a screw compressor specifically engineered for biogas applications with high efficiency and reliability. It can compress biogas to higher pressures, delivering a wider flow range, making it an ideal solution for different types of upgradation processes. 

Its key features include:  

• High Efficiency Gas Screw: GG compressor is equipped with a gas-tight screw element designed for biogas application. The superior mechanical shaft seals prevent gas leakage, ensuring operational safety and savings. It can withstand high pressure and temperature, providing better durability. High efficiency rotor profile maximizes the gas flow, lowering the energy cost. 

• Variable Speed Drive (VSD): VSD technology monitors the gas demand and adjusts the motor speed continuously, resulting in energy savings. When the biogas generation in the plant increases, the VSD motor speeds up to ensure a continuous supply at the required pressure in the downstream of the process. It provides a wider turn-down range, i.e. from 25% -100%, cutting down energy cost significantly. 

• Advanced Controller: Elektronikon® controller is designed with energy-efficient algorithms to maximize flow and minimize power consumption. It controls both the compressor and the integrated converter,  ensuring maximum machine safety within parameters.  

• Remote Connectivity: Smartlink feature connects compressors to the cloud, delivering real-time insights and operational notifications. Diagnostic Supervision enables spotting and fixing any deviations at an early stage, maximizing system uptime. Based on smart algorithms and analysis, proactive troubleshooting keeps energy efficiency at its top level.

• High Efficiency Filtration System: GG compressor has an inlet gas filtration train ensuring upstream particle separation. High-performance oil separator and downstream filters reduce the residual oil content, ensuring the required gas quality. 

• Energy Recovery: A water-cooled gas compressor can be installed with an Energy Recovery Unit (ERU) on the same skid. It can recover up to 75% of electrical energy into compression heat. This heat can be used for pre-heating boiler feed water, process and space heating applications.

• Compact Footprint: All components and instruments are mounted on a common skid with integrated piping and connections. It has easily accessible connections for gas, electricity, and water (where applicable), ensuring quick and hassle-free installation. GG also comes with an outdoor canopy option suitable for different environmental conditions.  

• SIL2 compliant Safety System: Compressor has built-in Programmable safety relay system ensuring additional safety. Components required for these functions are selected in accordance with SIL2 (Safety  Integrity Level) with a very low probability of failures.  

• International Safety Standards: The GG compressor is designed in compliance with international codes and standards – such as ASME, UL, ATEX, NEC and ISO—to ensure maximum reliability and adherence to stringent requirements. 

GG Biogas Compressor is a robust solution for the biogas industry, combining high compression efficiency with a durable mechanical design, delivering consistent performance under demanding conditions. By leveraging optimized flow dynamics, advanced sealing systems, and energy-efficient operation, these compressors enable lower operational costs, higher uptime and enhanced safety. For facilities seeking long-term reliability and performance in biogas applications, GG Biogas Compressors deliver a proven solution that supports both sustainability and productivity. 

Author Note :  

Manoj Purohit is Product Marketing Manager at Atlas Copco Compressors (USA), responsible for high-pressure air and gas compressor solutions. With over 16 years of industry experience, he specializes in product development and market strategy for Air, Nitrogen (N₂), Biogas, RNG, CO₂, and other high-pressure applications across different industries. He combines technical expertise with strategic market insight and has been instrumental in developing innovative products and solutions that help industries adopt efficient and sustainable technologies. 

Note: This document, including all images, data, and technical content, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as definitive technical or regulatory guidance.