What is anaerobic digestion? Anaerobic digestion is a process in which microorganisms break down organic material in the absence of oxygen, creating biogas, which can be captured to use for electricity, pipeline quality natural gas, and motor vehicle fuel. Most of the natural gas used to heat and power homes and businesses in the U.S. comes from underground deposits created millions of years ago by the anaerobic digestion of ancient organic materials. quasar’s anaerobic digestion system generates a renewable form of natural gas in a matter of days by feeding microorganisms organic waste including: crop residuals, manure, food waste, fats, oils and greases, personal care products, biobased lubricants and municipal wastewater.

In an anaerobic digestion system, the waste-to-energy process begins at the receiving tank, where solid and liquid biomass is pumped into an equalization tank and solids are “chewed” before entering the digester. Here, the biomass is digested by the microorganisms which produce methane gas. Anaerobic bacteria thrive at temperatures ranging from about 95 F to 105 F, which means the digester tanks must be monitored for temperature, as well as acid levels and a good balance of solids and liquids.

In addition to recycling waste and creating cleaner, renewable energy, the anaerobic digestion process leaves behind material (effluent) that can be used as a rich soil conditioner. Effluent replaces chemical fertilizers, improving soil quality organically and safely.

quasar collaborates with The Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, which is the largest university agbioscience research center in the nation. quasar provides turnkey design build services, engineering, laboratory analysis, regulatory guidance, outside biomass supply and additional revenue streams in the form of: energy sales, tipping fees, renewable energy credits and valuable byproducts.

Building an Industry - In 2006, digester components were primarily sourced in Europe. Over the past 6 years, quasar has worked with U.S. and specifically Ohio vendors to source major components. NOW, more than 98% of our components are purchased in the U.S. and more than 76% of those are from Ohio-based companies.

Anaerobic Digestion Systems: quasar is expanding our technology across North America. A complete list of our operational and under constructionfacilities is provided below, as well as a listing of public CNG fueling stations.