{"id":147312,"date":"2026-08-12T11:54:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T09:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/?page_id=147312"},"modified":"2026-09-02T12:22:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T10:22:22","slug":"mas-bove-biogas-plant","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/en\/experimental-biogas-plants\/mas-bove-biogas-plant\/","title":{"rendered":"IRTA Mas Bov\u00e9 biogas plant"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1408\" height=\"691\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IRTA-Mas-Bove-1.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IRTA-Mas-Bove-1.png 1408w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IRTA-Mas-Bove-1-300x147.png 300w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IRTA-Mas-Bove-1-1024x503.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IRTA-Mas-Bove-1-768x377.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1408px) 100vw, 1408px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Canviar per alguna foto xula de la planta de biog\u00e0s a tot l&#8217;ample que doni i que no es veig extrany<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Plafo-0-planta-biogas\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:90%\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Mas Bov\u00e9 Biogas Plant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">A biogas plant is a facility that converts organic waste from the farms and feed mill at Mas Bov\u00e9 into useful resources. It works by reproducing, under controlled conditions, a process that already occurs in nature: <strong>anaerobic digestion<\/strong>. Inside a sealed, oxygen-free environment, microorganisms break down the organic matter contained in pig slurry, poultry litter and feed residues, transforming it into two products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Biogas:<\/strong> a methane-rich gas that can be burned as a fuel to produce renewable energy. At Mas Bov\u00e9, it is used to generate thermal energy for heating. The Mas Bov\u00e9 plant produces <strong>96,697 Nm\u00b3 of biogas per year<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Digestate:<\/strong> the material remaining after digestion, which retains much of its nutrient content and is used as an organic fertiliser for agricultural land. The Mas Bov\u00e9 biogas plant recovers <strong>3,816 m\u00b3 of water per year<\/strong>, which is reused for irrigation and cleaning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Methane is a greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere when livestock manure accumulates in lagoons or storage tanks, especially when they are covered. The biogas plant uses these livestock effluents to generate methane under controlled conditions in a closed environment and burns it to produce energy. As a result, it helps reduce the environmental impact of the Mas Bov\u00e9 farms.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01-ISOMETRICA-BIOGAS-scaled.jpg\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01-ISOMETRICA-BIOGAS-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01-ISOMETRICA-BIOGAS-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01-ISOMETRICA-BIOGAS-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01-ISOMETRICA-BIOGAS-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01-ISOMETRICA-BIOGAS-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01-ISOMETRICA-BIOGAS-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01-ISOMETRICA-BIOGAS-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do we use the resources generated?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The energy generated heats the sow farrowing unit and maintains the temperature of the anaerobic digester. As a result, renewable energy produced on the farm itself has replaced the propane gas that was previously used. The organic fertiliser obtained from the digestate is applied to the fields at Mas Bov\u00e9, reducing manure management costs. The recovered water is used for both irrigation and the cleaning of the pig and poultry facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">What is biogas?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\">Biogas is a renewable energy source obtained through a biological process known as <strong>anaerobic digestion<\/strong>, which transforms organic matter (found in pig slurry, poultry litter and other organic waste) into a mixture of gases composed mainly of <strong>methane (CH\u2084)<\/strong> and <strong>carbon dioxide (CO\u2082)<\/strong>, together with other trace gases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a biogas plant?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\">A biogas plant is a facility designed to produce a renewable gas (biogas) from the treatment of organic waste through <strong>anaerobic digestion<\/strong> (in the absence of oxygen). This process makes it possible to generate energy (thermal or electrical) while also recovering water and fertiliser.<br><br>The IRTA Mas Bov\u00e9 plant is also a research and open-knowledge facility. In fact, it is the first biogas plant in Catalonia and in Spain to be managed by a public research institute while simultaneously providing a service to a working farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foto xula general planta<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A commitment to the valorisation of by-products<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The project is part of IRTA\u2019s commitment under one of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/en\/research\/\">eight scientific strategic objectives<\/a><\/strong> of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/en\/bioeconomy-circular-waste-by-products-biogas\/\">2024\u20132027 Strategic Plan<\/a><\/strong>: <strong>Promoting the bioeconomy through the valorisation of organic waste and agri-food by-products<\/strong>, a circular model that creates value from the sector\u2019s biological resources beyond energy production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">This strategic objective focuses on reducing waste and making use of the waste that must inevitably be generated by turning it into a valuable resource and reintegrating it into the agri-food chain. This is the case for livestock manure and other residues, such as feed residues from the Mas Bov\u00e9 feed mill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>bioeconomy<\/strong>, a circular economic model based on the use of renewable and local natural resources, is an essential tool for addressing today\u2019s major food-system challenges, both global and local. These include mitigating climate change, improving <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/en\/agriculture-health-soil-regenerative-carbon\/\">soil health<\/a><\/strong>, and achieving more efficient <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/en\/efficient-water-management-agriculture-catalonia-holistic\/\">water management<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Plafo-01-tanc-alimentacio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Feed Tank<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The process begins here. Pig slurry, poultry litter and feed residues from the feed mill are discharged into this tank, where they are mixed into a homogeneous blend known as the <strong>feed mixture<\/strong>. This is the raw material that is then pumped into the <strong>anaerobic digester<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Mixing wastes from different sources and digesting them together is known as <strong>co-digestion<\/strong>. The combination balances the nutrients provided by each waste stream and stabilises microbial activity, allowing the digester to operate more efficiently and produce more biogas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/02-TANC-ALIMENTACIO--scaled.jpg\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/02-TANC-ALIMENTACIO--948x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146650\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9258092237181323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/02-TANC-ALIMENTACIO--948x1024.jpg 948w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/02-TANC-ALIMENTACIO--278x300.jpg 278w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/02-TANC-ALIMENTACIO--768x829.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/02-TANC-ALIMENTACIO--1423x1536.jpg 1423w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/02-TANC-ALIMENTACIO--1897x2048.jpg 1897w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/02-TANC-ALIMENTACIO--scaled.jpg 1778w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\"><em>The tank has a capacity of <\/em><strong><em>210 m\u00b3<\/em><\/strong><em>, is <\/em><strong><em>partially buried<\/em><\/strong><em> and covered to reduce gas emissions. Inside, a mixer keeps the feed mixture homogeneous, while an automatic pumping system regulated by level sensors transfers it to the digester. A total of <\/em><strong><em>5,246 tonnes of feed mixture<\/em><\/strong><em> are prepared here each year.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foto xula del tanc d&#8217;alimentaci\u00f3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Plafo-02-planta-biogas\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Anaerobic Digester<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The feed mixture arrives from the feed tank and enters the <strong>digester<\/strong>, the core unit of the plant. The interior is maintained at a constant temperature of <strong>38\u00b0C<\/strong> and in the absence of oxygen. Under these conditions, bacteria and archaea break down the organic matter over several days. Two products are generated in this process: <strong>biogas<\/strong> and <strong>digestate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Biogas<\/strong>, rich in methane, accumulates beneath the digester roof and is extracted from there and sent to the boiler to generate energy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Digestate<\/strong>, the nutrient-rich material remaining after biogas extraction, is pumped to the separator to be converted into fertiliser and recovered water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the decomposition process?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Decomposition takes place through four stages that occur simultaneously inside the digester:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Hydrolysis:<\/strong> enzymes break down complex organic macromolecules into simpler compounds such as sugars, organic acids and alcohols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Acidogenesis:<\/strong> the simple molecules produced in the previous stage are converted into volatile fatty acids, alcohols, carbon dioxide (CO\u2082) and hydrogen (H\u2082).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Acetogenesis:<\/strong> the simple molecules from stage 2 (acids and alcohols) are transformed into acetic acid, hydrogen and carbon dioxide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Methanogenesis:<\/strong> finally, acetic acid, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are converted into methane gas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/03-DIGESTAT-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/03-DIGESTAT-1-948x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146660\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9258092237181323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/03-DIGESTAT-1-948x1024.jpg 948w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/03-DIGESTAT-1-278x300.jpg 278w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/03-DIGESTAT-1-768x829.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/03-DIGESTAT-1-1423x1536.jpg 1423w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/03-DIGESTAT-1-1897x2048.jpg 1897w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/03-DIGESTAT-1-scaled.jpg 1778w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\"><em>The digester has a total volume of 452 m\u00b3 and two side-mounted agitators that keep the mixture in motion so that temperature and pH remain constant. It produces 96,697 Nm\u00b3 of biogas per year, composed of 65% methane and 35% carbon dioxide, as well as 5,079 tonnes of digestate annually. A small portion of the biogas is burned to maintain the digester at its operating temperature.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foto xula del digestor<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Plafo-03-separador\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Separator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The digestate leaving the digester is sent to the separator, where it passes through a filter-press system fitted with screens ranging from 300 to 650 microns, which separates it into two fractions with different properties:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The <strong>solid fraction<\/strong> is sent to the manure storage area, where it can be used as fertiliser for agricultural fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The <strong>liquid fraction<\/strong> is stored in the covered lagoon and is subsequently processed into recovered water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/04-SEPARADOR-scaled.jpg\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/04-SEPARADOR-948x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146663\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9258092237181323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/04-SEPARADOR-948x1024.jpg 948w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/04-SEPARADOR-278x300.jpg 278w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/04-SEPARADOR-768x829.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/04-SEPARADOR-1423x1536.jpg 1423w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/04-SEPARADOR-1897x2048.jpg 1897w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/04-SEPARADOR-scaled.jpg 1778w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\"><em>Digestate is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the essential nutrients found in any fertiliser. This makes it a valuable organic fertiliser for agriculture and helps close the nutrient cycle.<\/em> <em>Each year, 1,188 tonnes of solid fraction and 3,891 tonnes of liquid fraction are separated.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foto xula del separador<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Plafo-04-caldera-torxa\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Boiler and Flare<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>boiler<\/strong> is the unit where the biogas produced in the digester is burned. The combustion of biogas serves two purposes: maintaining the temperature inside the anaerobic digester and heating the sow farrowing unit. In this way, the farm generates thermal energy from its own organic waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>flare<\/strong> is a safety device. It operates when there is surplus biogas that the boiler cannot consume, or when the digester needs to be emptied for maintenance. Burning this gas in a controlled manner prevents methane from being released into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05-CALDERA-scaled.jpg\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05-CALDERA-948x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146666\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9261740158326468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05-CALDERA-948x1024.jpg 948w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05-CALDERA-278x300.jpg 278w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05-CALDERA-768x829.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05-CALDERA-1423x1536.jpg 1423w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05-CALDERA-1897x2048.jpg 1897w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/05-CALDERA-scaled.jpg 1778w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\"><em>Before reaching the boiler, the biogas undergoes gas conditioning. Hydrogen sulfide (H\u2082S), a corrosive gas that could damage the equipment, is removed, water vapour is separated, and the gas is compressed so that it reaches the boiler under the appropriate operating conditions.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\" class=\"wp-block-list has-background has-medium-font-size\">\n<li>The facility has a thermal capacity of approximately 100 kWt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It produces 750,640 kWh of thermal energy per year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One cubic metre of biogas is equivalent to 0.6 cubic metres of natural gas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foto xula de la torxa i caldera<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Plafo-05-bassa-coberta\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Covered Lagoon<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>liquid fraction<\/strong> leaving the <strong>separator<\/strong> is transferred to the <strong>covered lagoon<\/strong>, a partially buried and covered storage tank. Here, the liquid is allowed to settle, and the suspended solids gradually sink to the bottom under the action of gravity in a natural sedimentation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The sediments that accumulate at the bottom are removed several times a year; part is sent to the <strong>manure storage area<\/strong>, while the remainder is used as fertiliser. The clarified liquid is then pumped to the treatment module, the final stage before water recovery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/06-BASSA-COBERTA-scaled.jpg\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/06-BASSA-COBERTA-948x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146673\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9261740158326468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/06-BASSA-COBERTA-948x1024.jpg 948w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/06-BASSA-COBERTA-278x300.jpg 278w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/06-BASSA-COBERTA-768x829.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/06-BASSA-COBERTA-1423x1536.jpg 1423w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/06-BASSA-COBERTA-1897x2048.jpg 1897w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/06-BASSA-COBERTA-scaled.jpg 1778w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\"><em>A partially buried and covered storage tank designed to reduce gas emissions, where the liquid fraction of the digestate is stored, with a total volume of 1,197 m\u00b3.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foto xula de la bassa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Plafo-06-modul-tractament\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treatment Module<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>clarified liquid<\/strong> is pumped from the lagoon to a <strong>treatment module<\/strong> housed inside a container, where it is converted into recovered water suitable for farm cleaning and field irrigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The treatment process consists of three stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Aerobic bioreactor:<\/strong> the liquid from the covered lagoon enters the reactor, where, in the presence of oxygen, microorganisms remove the organic matter and convert ammoniacal nitrogen into nitrogen gas (N\u2082), which is released without contributing to the greenhouse effect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Ultrafiltration system:<\/strong> the liquid then passes through tubular membranes that retain suspended particles and microorganisms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Disinfection system:<\/strong> finally, the water passes through an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit that eliminates any remaining microorganisms, leaving the water ready for reuse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/07-MODUL-DETRACTAMENT-scaled.jpg\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"551\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/07-MODUL-DETRACTAMENT-1024x551.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/07-MODUL-DETRACTAMENT-1024x551.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/07-MODUL-DETRACTAMENT-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/07-MODUL-DETRACTAMENT-768x413.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/07-MODUL-DETRACTAMENT-1536x827.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/07-MODUL-DETRACTAMENT-2048x1103.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/07-MODUL-DETRACTAMENT-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\"><em><em>The treatment module also includes two external storage tanks that separately store the incoming clarified digestate and the outgoing recovered water. Each year, the module recovers 3,816 m\u00b3 of water suitable for cleaning and irrigation.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">foto del modul de tractament<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Plafo-07-femer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Manure Storage Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>manure storage area<\/strong> is divided into two sections according to the origin of the material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Storage area for poultry litter, manure and other organic waste<\/strong> that is used as feedstock for the biogas plant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Storage area for the concentrated digestate fraction<\/strong> and the solids from the recovered water treatment module, which are transformed into compost for fertilising agricultural fields.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/08-FEMER-scaled.jpg\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/08-FEMER-948x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146679\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9258092237181323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/08-FEMER-948x1024.jpg 948w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/08-FEMER-278x300.jpg 278w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/08-FEMER-768x829.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/08-FEMER-1423x1536.jpg 1423w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/08-FEMER-1897x2048.jpg 1897w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/08-FEMER-scaled.jpg 1778w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Land application<\/strong> follows the current waste management regulations, which govern application rates and conditions to ensure safe and sustainable use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>concentrated fraction<\/strong> is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and is used as a fertiliser for crops. It can also be mixed with other agricultural residues, such as pruning waste, and composted until it becomes a mature and stable organic fertiliser.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f6f5f1\"><em>What entered the plant as waste leaves it as energy, water and fertiliser, ready to return to the farm.<\/em> <em>The manure storage area has a total covered surface area of 198 m\u00b2.<\/em> <em>Each year, the manure storage area handles 1,262 tonnes of solid fraction.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">foto xula del femer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:7px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" id=\"Glossari\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Glossary of terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Co-digestion.<\/strong> The simultaneous digestion of two or more waste streams from different sources (in this plant: pig slurry, poultry litter, and feed residues). Mixing them balances the available nutrients and stabilises microbial activity, improving process performance and biogas production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Feed mixture.<\/strong> A homogeneous mixture of waste streams prepared in the feed tank and introduced into the digester. It is the raw material of the process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Pig slurry.<\/strong> A liquid mixture of pig manure and urine collected from the pits beneath the livestock buildings. It is the main feedstock used in the plant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Poultry litter.<\/strong> Excreta from poultry (hens and broilers) that is used as an input material for the digestion process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Anaerobic digestion (biomethanisation).<\/strong> A biological process that takes place in the absence of oxygen, in which microorganisms break down organic matter and convert it into biogas and digestate. It is the core process of the plant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Anaerobic.<\/strong> Occurring or living in the absence of oxygen. The opposite of aerobic (in the presence of oxygen).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Bacteria and archaea.<\/strong> The microorganisms responsible for anaerobic digestion. Acting in sequence, they break down organic matter until methane is produced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Hydrolysis.<\/strong> The first stage of organic matter decomposition. Enzymes break down large and complex organic molecules (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) into simpler molecules such as sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, and alcohols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Acidogenesis.<\/strong> The stage in which microorganisms convert these simple molecules into volatile fatty acids, alcohols, carbon dioxide (CO\u2082), and hydrogen (H\u2082).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Acetogenesis.<\/strong> The stage in which alcohols, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen are converted into acetic acid, together with additional hydrogen and carbon dioxide. These compounds are the substrates required for methane production in the final stage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Methanogenesis.<\/strong> The process by which microorganisms called archaea convert acetic acid, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen into methane gas (CH\u2084), the component that gives biogas its energy value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Biogas.<\/strong> A mixture of gases produced during anaerobic digestion, consisting mainly of methane and carbon dioxide, with smaller amounts of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen. It is a renewable energy source because it is produced from organic matter rather than fossil fuels, and the carbon dioxide released during combustion is considered biogenic, and therefore environmentally neutral.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Methane (CH\u2084).<\/strong> The main component of biogas and the source of its energy value. It is also a potent greenhouse gas, which is why capturing and burning it prevents its release into the atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Carbon dioxide (CO\u2082).<\/strong> The second major component of biogas, with no fuel value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Hydrogen sulfide (H\u2082S).<\/strong> A corrosive gas present in small amounts in biogas. It must be removed before combustion to prevent damage to the equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Desulfurisation.<\/strong> The process of removing hydrogen sulfide from biogas. In this plant, it is carried out in the digester headspace by injecting small amounts of oxygen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Digestate.<\/strong> The material that remains after biogas has been extracted. It is rich in nutrients and is sent to the separator to produce fertiliser and recovered water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Fraction separation.<\/strong> The division of digestate, by means of mechanical pressing, into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction, each with a different end use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Solid fraction.<\/strong> The concentrated portion of the digestate that leaves the separator. It is sent to the manure storage area and used as a fertiliser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Liquid fraction.<\/strong> The clarified portion of the digestate that leaves the separator. It is stored in the covered lagoon before undergoing water recovery treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Filter press.<\/strong> A pressure-based separation unit equipped with screens of a defined mesh size (300\u2013650 microns in this plant) that separates the digestate into solid and liquid fractions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Decantation (sedimentation).<\/strong> A gravity-driven process in which suspended solids settle to the bottom of a liquid. This occurs in the covered lagoon, where solids are separated by natural settling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Nitrification and denitrification.<\/strong> Biological processes that take place in the aerobic bioreactor, where nitrogen compounds are first oxidised and then converted into nitrogen gas (N\u2082), which is released harmlessly into the atmosphere. These processes occur within the treatment module, where clarified liquid is transformed into recovered water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Ultrafiltration.<\/strong> Fine filtration through tubular membranes that retain suspended particles and microorganisms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>UV disinfection.<\/strong> The final treatment stage, in which ultraviolet light eliminates any remaining microorganisms and prepares the water for reuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Recovered water.<\/strong> Treated water produced at the end of the treatment process, suitable for cleaning farm facilities and irrigating fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Composting.<\/strong> The process in which the solid fraction of the digestate is mixed with other agricultural residues, such as pruning waste, and allowed to decompose until it becomes a mature and stable organic fertiliser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Organic fertiliser.<\/strong> A fertiliser derived from organic matter (in this case, digestate) that supplies nutrients to the soil and improves soil health, providing an alternative to synthetic inorganic fertilisers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Thermal energy.<\/strong> Energy in the form of heat. In this plant, the heat generated by the boiler maintains the digester at 38\u00b0C and heats the sow farrowing unit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Thermal capacity (kWt).<\/strong> The amount of heat that a system can generate per unit of time. This installation has a thermal capacity of approximately 100 kWt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Flare.<\/strong> A safety device that burns surplus or low-quality biogas, or biogas that must be removed during maintenance, preventing methane from being released into the atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Nm\u00b3 (normal cubic metre).<\/strong> A unit that measures a volume of gas under standard temperature and pressure conditions, allowing gas volumes to be compared consistently. Biogas production is measured in Nm\u00b3\/year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Greenhouse gases (GHGs).<\/strong> Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change, such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. The plant helps reduce GHG emissions by capturing and using methane from livestock waste.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Circular economy.<\/strong> A model in which waste is recovered and returned to the production cycle as a resource rather than being discarded. The plant is an example of this approach, transforming livestock waste into energy, water, and fertiliser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Bioeconomy.<\/strong> A circular and sustainable economic model based on the use of renewable and locally available biological resources to produce goods and services. It is the strategic framework within which the IRTA plant operates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Valorisation.<\/strong> The process of converting a waste material or by-product into a useful resource within the same production chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This project has received funding under the incentive programme for grants supporting innovative biogas plant projects within Spain\u2019s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagen1-1.png\" class=\"fancybox irta-lightbox-bridge\" data-fancybox=\"irta-images\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"567\" height=\"115\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagen1-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146837\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagen1-1.png 567w, https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagen1-1-300x61.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 567px) 100vw, 567px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Canviar per alguna foto xula de la planta de biog\u00e0s a tot l&#8217;ample que doni i que no es veig extrany Mas Bov\u00e9 Biogas Plant A biogas plant is a facility that converts organic waste from the farms and feed mill at Mas Bov\u00e9 into useful resources. It works by reproducing, under controlled conditions, a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":146645,"parent":131809,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/gutenberg.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-147312","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\r\n<title>IRTA Mas Bov\u00e9 biogas plant &#187; IRTA<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Canviar per alguna foto xula de la planta de biog\u00e0s a tot l&#039;ample que doni i que no es veig extrany Mas Bov\u00e9 Biogas Plant A biogas plant is a facility\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/en\/experimental-biogas-plants\/mas-bove-biogas-plant\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"IRTA Mas Bov\u00e9 biogas plant &#187; 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