Terpenes and Siloxanes

About

Biogas and biomethane play a key role in the global strategy to protect our planet by switching from fossil fuels to greener energy sources. DESOTEC’s sustainable mobile filtration services purify biogas from terpenes and siloxanes. This allows its upgrading to biomethane, which is a sustainable fuel. Before using biogas to power machinery or upgrading it into biomethane, terpenes and siloxanes must be removed to protect equipment and workers’ health. DESOTEC's sustainable full-service mobile filtration solutions will help your firm produce top-quality biofuel for a healthier and greener future.

What are siloxanes and terpenes?

Biogas and biomethane must reach consistently high standards. Yet, as they’re derived from organic waste, they contain impurities. DESOTEC has the solution. Our filters handle a range of contaminants, including two of the most common: siloxanes and terpenes.

Siloxanes are volatile liquid compounds that do not biodegrade easily. They’re used in cosmetics, deodorants, water repellents, food additives, and soaps, so are often found in the biogas stream produced at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

Terpenes usually come from the fermentation of green waste, including fruit, vegetables, and agricultural by-products. They may also be derived biosynthetically from isoprene for use as fragrances in cosmetics.

Filtering siloxanes from biogas

Every company wants to protect its machinery and equipment, reducing maintenance costs and repair bills. Yet, siloxanes give rise to abrasive silica (sand-like) deposits when combusted in machinery such as combined heat and power engines (CHP). If these sandy deposits exceed the manufacturer’s stated limits, they reduce the lifespan of this important and expensive equipment.

DESOTEC offers a simple solution. Our filters purify the biogas stream from siloxanes, so it can be fed into a CHP to produce low-carbon energy. As other compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), are likely to be present in the biogas stream, multiple filters may be placed in series.

Filtering terpenes from biomethane

We all love the smell of Christmas trees, which are produced by natural terpenes. In high concentrations, though, these compounds are an odour nuisance for workers and neighbours. So, it’s essential to purify biogas from terpenes to keep the air smelling fresh.

Plus, removing terpenes is necessary to protect the membranes used to upgrade biogas into biomethane and prevent gaskets and piping systems from corrosion.

DESOTEC is here to help. Our mobile activated carbon filters adsorb terpenes and siloxanes, allowing biogas to be upgraded into biomethane. The latter can then be injected into the national grid or converted into compressed natural gas (Bio-CNG) or liquified natural gas (Bio-LNG) for use as transport fuel.

Biogas and biomethane play a key role in the global strategy to protect our planet, by switching from fossil fuels to greener energy sources. DESOTEC’s sustainable mobile filtration services filter biogas from terpenes and siloxanes. This allows its upgrading to biomethane, which is a sustainable fuel.

Helping you comply

Legislation governing air quality (including emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), terpenes, and siloxanes) is becoming increasingly stringent. DESOTEC filters are modular, so they can easily be adapted to help you reach lower limits, thus future-proofing your company.

Odour control tends to be governed at the country level. The Nordics have especially strict regulations, but other countries are following suit.

Manufacturers set guidelines for using their machinery, including CHP engines. If you exceed their stated limits for terpenes and siloxanes, you will invalidate your warranty. By installing DESOTEC filters, you extend the lifespan of your equipment and cut your costs.

How we help you

DESOTEC sustainable mobile filtration solutions

DESOTEC is proud to help companies produce quality biogas and biomethane to aid the shift to climate-friendly energy. Activated carbon is certified as the Best Available Technology (BAT) for upgrading biogas into biomethane.

Our filters are simple to install and exchange, meaning that costly downtime is minimised. They’re easy to operate, so you don’t need expert personnel on site. DESOTEC experts are just a phone call away, 24/7/365.

Our full-service solutions include handling filtration waste. All adsorbed molecules are destroyed, and carbon is reactivated wherever possible. This circular solution is both cost-effective and sustainable, making your company’s practices more profitable and greener.

DESOTEC helped us upgrade our biogas stream so it's usable in the main gas grid. Thanks to their flexible solution we could adapt quickly.

Our filtration solutions

Flexible, mobile solutions configured to meet your industrial purification needs. With sustainable waste management included, it’s easy to reach your green goals.

Our filtration solutions