AEC Engineering is proud to announce its selection as the SCADA and Controls integration firm for an advanced anaerobic digester project that processes cow manure into natural gas. Competing against several system control integrators from across the nation, AEC’s expertise in design, fabrication, and programming made it the top choice for this important initiative.
The project involves a cutting-edge system where manure from lactating cows and heifers is gathered and processed. The waste is collected using alley scrapers, flowing by gravity to receiving pits. Here, it is pumped into a large 120ft diameter digester where bacteria and microbes transform the organic material into biogas. This biogas is then purified and pressurized for injection into the local utility’s gas distribution network.
AEC Engineering designed, fabricated, and programmed the control panels utilizing Allen-Bradley PLCs and implemented the SCADA software platform, VTScada. The project team, which included Nate (Controls Engineer – Project Manager), Tyler (Controls Engineer – SCADA), Jon (Technician – PLC), and Brandon (Fabrication Shop Foreman), played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success.
The anaerobic digester is equipped with five submersible mixers that operate with an adjustable set point six times a day to maintain optimal mixing and efficiency. AEC’s controls programming ensures that the digestion process maintains a consistent temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, enhancing biogas production. The resulting effluent is carefully managed, with solids separated and dried for use as bedding, and liquids redirected to support manure flow within the barns.
Collaboration was key to this project, with Apex Engineering serving as the process engineer, Kingsbury Co. acting as general contractor, and Kean LLC of Auburn, ME providing project management oversight. Specialty consulting was provided by Champlain Valley Agronomics. AEC Engineering’s collaborative approach was instrumental in the successful start-up of the system. Project owner Greenwood RNG is setting a benchmark in sustainable waste management and renewable energy production, benefiting both the community and the environment.
For more information on AEC Engineering and our projects, visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to continuing to lead the way in engineering solutions that make a difference!
