10. Biogas

Current waste management policies favor the valorization of biogas (from digester or landfill), usually used in combined heat and power plants, but also upgraded to produce biomethane. The characterization of biogas is a key challenge for the control and the optimization of treatment processes and further valorization. Raw biogas contains mainly methane and carbon dioxide. Trace components such as water, hydrogen sulfide, siloxanes, halogenated hydrocarbons, ammonia, oxygen and nitrogen can be present and might be problematic if not reduced and/or eliminated. The choice of adapted treatments and the assessment of their efficiencies depending on the selected valorization are still an issue. Indeed the biogas analysis with numerous components in large and trace quantities is difficult. The choice of the most appropriate analytical technique depends on the molecules of interest, their concentration, the desired precision and the gaseous matrix. A wide range of analytical techniques is described in the form of data sheets.