ITR has become the vanguard Methane-to-Market biogas products company in the U.S. by applying superior technology and a sound business approach to providing efficient biogas production facilities, operating them in a cost-effective way, and delivering high-quality gas into the consumer market on a commercial scale. Biogas, which is composed mostly of methane (natural gas), is produced naturally through decomposition of organic matter such as animal and food processing waste.

View our Methane-to-Market informational brochure.

ITR is focusing initial efforts on the development of biogas production facilities in Idaho and other western states having large Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).

Anaerobic Digestion

Decades of research in the U.S. have provided much information about how manure can be converted into an energy source via anaerobic digestion. Several different types of digesters have evolved over this period of time. The most common types for manure are the plug flow, complete mix, and covered lagoons. All of these systems can anaerobically digest manure and collect biogas, but typically require more than 15 days of holding time (making them very large in size) and the biogas typically consists of less than 60% methane. However, by applying a “hi-rate” (holding time less than 8 days) digestion process commonly used in industrial applications to dairy manure in a specially designed reactor vessel, the methane content of biogas jumps to as high as 80% depending upon the animal waste being processed, making the biogas a much more attractive fuel.   

The hi-rate system consists of above ground tanks with associated pumps, valves, piping, and gas collection system, placed in a well-insulated building. Organic waste that is fed into the tanks is converted into energy in the form of methane gas, water suitable for irrigation or flushing, and soil conditioner/fertilizer. The system holds in odors during treatment and the processed liquid and solid effluent is free of an offensive smell. The facility is automated with a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a computer and runs with very little direct human intervention.

An integral part of the system is a modular approach. The advantages of a modular system are that it can be easily built to fit small or large farms or processing plants. The system can be easily expanded, and if part of the system fails, it does not stop the process. Failed tanks can be quickly brought back on line.

Another distinct advantage is the higher treatment rates afforded by the system (over other technologies). Higher treatment rates reduce capital costs and make it easier to build large systems because the vessels needed to contain the waste are smaller.

Biogas produced from the system is then "polished" to remove the carbon dioxide, water vapor, and hydrogen sulfide and bring it to commercial pipeline quality standards.

After the biogas is cleaned to pipeline standards for sale to consumers, it is delivered to a local gas utility via either low-pressure pipeline or a tube-tank truck. Both techniques will be utilized for plants in the Magic Valley of Idaho.

Other Biofuel Production Links:

Ethanol Production

Biodiesel Production