Sustainable Use of Digestate from Biogas Plants: Separation of Raw Digestate and Liquid Fraction Processing

Abstract

This review provides an overview of the various aspects involved in the digestate separation process with a focus on the best solution. The paper discusses the possibility of processing the liquid fraction using membrane separation processes and evaporation. Despite the identical goal of digestate separation, the solutions presented have many differences. These differences affect each process’s capital, operating costs, efficiency, and complexity. Among the selected solutions, the most popular technology for separating digestate is a screw press. Its advantage is the simplicity of its design compared to the centrifuges or filter presses used. In addition to the economic aspect, a definite advantage of mechanical separation is the possibility of using the liquid fraction to reduce the dry matter of the feedstock for biogas plants. Regardless of the chosen technology, striving for the closed-cycle operation of biogas plants and optimizing production processes is now becoming necessary. Proper management of the digestate is a crucial element of the operational efficiency of any biogas plant in case of the sustainable energy. The prepared article will fill some gaps in knowledge and indicate further directions of action. It is necessary to further develop research on methods of digestate separation.