Leibniz - Institute of Aricultural Technology Potsdam - Bornim e. V., Germany, 2008.

Trial Procedure

Maize silage (DM: 37.7 ) was ensiled in four  small containers per treatment. The trial was conducted in line with DLG regulations, temperature was at  25°C.
The gas trial was conducted in laboratory containers with a holding capacity of 2 litres each (in line with regulation VDI 4630 (2004)). A water bath kept the temperature at 35°C.
The digestate - produced from anaerobic digestion of maize silage and slurry -  was used as seeding sludge. 
Biogas production was measured over the course of 28 days in relation to the organic dry matter. Biogas volume was generated in standard litre (SL); contents of methane and CO2 were adjusted to 100 %.

Results

Profitability

jbs progas increases the methane yield from maize silages by an average
13 % (+ 14,2 norm litre of methane/ kg of FM)

• Surplus of methane per tonne of maize silage: 14.200 litre
• 14.200 litre = 14,2 m3 methane/ tonne FM
  
• 14,2 m³ methane = 142 kW/ h (at 10 kW/h per m3 methane)
• At 30 % efficiency (electrical power) = +43 kW/ h
• Equivalent value of 43 kW/h = 6,88 € (at 0,16 € per kW/h)

Costs per tonne of maize silage: 0,97 €
Revenue per tonneof maize silage: 6,88 €

Cost-benefit analysis of jbs progas