Biogas Capture and Utilisation from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)

R&D on palm oil mill effluent (POME) focuses on:

i.          Biogas harnessing as renewable energy

ii.         Methane avoidance – composting, or complete utilization of low oil components

iii.        Zero discharge /zero waste

MPOB collaborated with biogas technology providers to evaluate and develop biogas system for POME treatment focusing on discharge quality, biogas characteristics, plant performance and other related downstream activities to allow zero discharge e.g. biosolids from sludge for biofertilizers, and biogas as a fuel for combined heat and power, electricity generation and as a transport fuel. Currently, two biogas plants using different technologies have been installed and are in operation: the first located in MPOB Labu Experimental Palm Oil Mill (POMTEC), Negeri Sembilan and the second at Tee Teh Palm Oil Mill. One of the biogas system has proven more than 95% in its reduction of BOD/COD and can be promoted to the industry. Various analyses (BOD, COD, total volatile solids (VTS), suspended solids (SS) and total solids (TS), compositions of biogas, total flow rate and flow volume of POME and  biogas) are conducted to assess the performance of the system. Besides, R&D also focuses on the use of effective microorganism (EM) in the reduction of BOD and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in biogas. Several pilot studies are on-going on tertiary treatment of POME for meeting the desired regulated  discharge standard (BOD 20 ppm).