From firefighting to process stability
When OQEMA was first contacted by one of Denmark's largest biogas plants, the challenge was clear. Unpredictable foam levels of more than four metres were disrupting operations, reducing effective digester capacity and limiting biogas production.
Rather than simply recommending a defoamer, OQEMA's Water Treatment specialists evaluated the entire process, identifying the optimal product, dosing point and dosing strategy. The objective was not only to eliminate excessive foam but to establish a reliable, long-term solution that would support stable plant operation.
Optimising performance beyond foam control
By working closely with the customer, OQEMA developed a dosing strategy that combined rapid foam suppression with long-term cost efficiency. An initial 30 ppm shock dose quickly brought foam under control before being optimised to a maintenance dose of approximately 15 ppm.
The result was a stable operating process with predictable foam levels, improved digester capacity and reliable biogas production, giving operators greater confidence in the day-to-day operation of the plant.
