Renewable Natural Gas Plant Development: Adapting European Biogas Technology for U.S. Standards
At Wunderlich-Malec (WM), our expert engineering teams specialize in partnering with global process companies to design, adapt, and implement cutting-edge Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and biogas production plants in the United States. Our engineers are dedicated to understanding the intricacies and value of each design, carefully adapting them to align with U.S. standards, ensuring that our customers’ objectives are met and exceeded.
Background & Customer Needs/Requirements
A leading European Biogas producer required assistance in locating, designing and building a Renewable Natural Gas plant in the United States. The plant designed to convert biomass waste into CO2 neutral biogas.
The customer needed to convert their European design into a US code compliant package, including up to date local building codes design (buildings), Electrical power (UL listings), and Energy code (mechanical HVAC design). This required:
- Design coordination – combine engineering calculations, with local (US-based) vendors, and updated process flow diagram efficiency enhancements to ensure a state-of-the-art process design capable of a wide variety of feedstock.
- Production documents – update generic 2D files into complete fully coordinated Autodesk Plant 3D Model, including database used to generate material of construction tender packages for bidding.
- Pre-construction – Site selection, cost estimating, risk mitigation, scheduling, construction means and methods.
- Transfer of knowledge – Site visit to European facilities, 3D Library generation, design charrette, historical data review
- Support Systems – Exhaust, Heating and Cooling, Normal Power, Compressed Air and Natural Gas / Biogas
- Site Utilities – Traffic control, process waste collection and treatment, biogas conditioning, stormwater retention
WM ’s Approach & Solutions
Wunderlich Malec (WM) provided engineering services for a green field.
renewable natural gas / biogas production facility. WM assisted in the location and selection of the 40 Acre site. The WM engineering team in collaboration with the client designed key components of the process including liquid and litter truck unloading facilities, pre-digestion pasteurization and heat exchange, anaerobic digestion tanks, post digestion-separation solids treatment and storage, nutrient water storage, biogas conditioning, odor control abatement, CO2 collection and storage, and support buildings (Administration, Maintenance and Boiler House).
WM SERVICES PROVIDED
- Architectural
- Structural / Civil
- MEP Engineering
- Process Controls
- US Compliant design
- Tender Packages
- Project Management
KEY SYSTEMS ENGINEERED
- Liquid & Solid Material Handling
- Anaerobic Digestion
- Thermal Heat Exchange
- Biogas conditioning
- Process Integration
- Power & Lighting
- CO2 and odor abatement
Why Choose Wunderlich-Malec Engineering?
WME’s industry-leading engineering team is recognized globally for its understanding, collaboration and ability to deliver successful projects.
Our ability to integrate advanced digital solutions, leverage innovative engineering design methodologies, and provide unparalleled customer support ensures long-term reliability and operational excellence.
📞 Contact us today to learn how WME can optimize your energy plant’s automation!
Customer Benefits
Challenge: Site Selection
WME Solution: Meet with Customer to understand needs and use WM expertise to recommend sites.
Customer Benefit: Ensure best selection with collaborative assistance of experienced US EPC firm.
Challenge: Convert Design to US Code and Energy Requirements.
WME Solution: Use WM State licensed engineers to convert clients designs into local documentation.
Customer Benefit: Ensure Biomass production plant meets all federal, state and local codes.
Challenge: Ensure plant can process variety of US waste materials.
WME Solution: WM engineers experienced in variety of waste fuels assist design.
Customer Benefit: Plant will produce fuel from variety of US waste materials.
Challenge: Meet Schedule and Budget Expectations.
WME Solution: Provide detailed cost and schedule planning & coordination
Customer Benefit: Production Plant built within budget and on schedule.
Challenge: Select cost effective, productive and quality contractors.
WME Solution: With stringent pre-qualification and experience select best qualified contractors.
Customer Benefit: Biomass Natural Gas Plant that produces product at planned ROI. with low lifetime operational costs
✓ Successfully engineered and planned the transfer of Customers Biomass Natural Gas technology into US market.
✓ Successfully designed a US production facility.
✓ Establish a long-term cost-effective ability to serve the US market.