Biogas Methane Recovery Rate Calculator

Estimate how much methane energy a biogas upgrading train delivers after accounting for feed composition, capture efficiency, and uptime.

Unprocessed biogas volumetric flow at normal conditions.
Methane share by volume before upgrading.
Share of methane recovered after upgrading; defaults to 92% when blank.
Availability of the upgrading train. Defaults to 90% when blank.

Engineering estimate only. Validate with measured gas composition, calibrated flow meters, and contractual heating value definitions.

Examples

  • 520 Nm³/h raw flow at 58% methane, 92% capture, 90% uptime ⇒ 277.36 Nm³/h methane captured, 249.62 Nm³/h delivered, or 2,487.04 kWh/h (LHV).
  • 350 Nm³/h raw flow at 62% methane, capture and uptime left blank (defaults 92% and 90%) ⇒ 199.64 Nm³/h captured, 179.67 Nm³/h delivered, or 1,792.26 kWh/h.

FAQ

Why use lower heating value (LHV)?

Pipeline-quality biomethane and CHP contracts commonly reference LHV for energy accounting. Using LHV keeps comparability with grid injection standards.

Can I model oxygen or CO₂ slip?

The calculator assumes methane purity drives energy content. If specification limits require further polishing, reduce the capture efficiency to mimic losses.

How should I treat flare events?

Include expected flaring or bypass periods in the uptime percentage so the delivered energy reflects real operating history rather than nameplate capacity.

Additional Information

  • Result unit: methane volume in Nm³/h and energy on a lower heating value basis in kWh/h.
  • Capture defaults to 92% to reflect typical membrane or PSA performance when no value is provided.
  • Uptime defaults to 90%, acknowledging scheduled maintenance and expected outages.

Related calculators