Frequently asked questions

The biodigester works with manure from different animals such as pigs, sheep, rabbits, goats, horses and even human waste. However, pig and cow manure have a better performance in biogas production.

Digesters can treat any kind of organic waste, including crop or plant waste. However, this kind of waste requires additional prior processing to break down particles and facilitate the work of the bacteria. Additionally, Sistema.bio digesters have been designed for manure treatment.  

The minimum waste required for temperate climate are 36 liters, which can be produced by 2 medium-sized cows or 5 pigs. For other climates, the minimum amount required may vary. Please contact us for a detailed assessment.

The minimum space required for the smallest digester is about 9x4m. To learn more about system sizes you can check out the product catalog for your respective country.

The price depends on the size of the system. Sistema.bio has different sizes that adapt to each farmer’s needs and the quantity of waste produced on the farm. The price includes a turnkey package comprising of diagnostics, installation, the reactor, a stove, a burner, user training, and post-sales follow-up services.

Under proper care, customers can expect a lifespan of 15-20 years. We offer a 10-year warranty on the reactor.

The biogas production time depends mainly on the climate.
In hot climates, biogas will be produced within 2 weeks.
In temperate climates, biogas production time takes from 3 weeks to a month.
In cold climates, it can take up to 2 months.

We recommend 15°C as the absolute minimum average temperature. Below 15°C, a greenhouse can be installed (following Sistema.bio safety recommendations) to reach the necessary temperature.

We recommend that you reduce feeding of fresh dung. You can also increase your biogas use by heating up water, for example. Please contact us for advice on other potential domestic and productive biogas applications.

Biogas can be used to cook meals or heat water. It can also be used for pen heaters and greenhouses, and even for milking machines, water pumps, or chaff cutters. Please contact us to get advice on other potential domestic and productive biogas applications.

Biogas is clean and does not diffuse bacteria! Pathogens are partially treated in the digestion process, and pathogens are not transported via the biogas line. Even if they were, the flame of the burner would eliminate them! There is no risk of spreading any bacteria from the biogas to the food.

No. Sistema.bio has a filter that removes the odour of rotten eggs; a characteristic odour of hydrogen sulphide contained in biogas. By cooking in pans and pots, no smell will be given to the food!

Compression is not effective for small-scale domestic biogas systems. The biogas generated in the biodigester is at ambient pressure. Compressing biogas into a cylinder for transport is an expensive process and only financially feasible at large scale.

No. The biogas is at atmospheric pressure and requires its own pipes to convey it to the burners and stoves. The installations for LP gas have narrower pipes. But do not worry, the Sistema.bio package includes a stove and burner.

Every energy system presents a risk when proper care is not exercised. Sistema.bio is designed with components (such as a pressure relief valve and a filter) to minimize the risks for our farmers. In addition, our technical team will train users on the security measures required for the installation and operation of the biodigester (example: installation of perimeter fence). When following these recommendations as well as providing the indicated daily maintenance, our biodigesters are perfectly safe. Check the user manual for more details.

No. Unlike LP gas, biogas is not compressed. In addition, there is a safety valve that allows the gas to escape when the biodigester is inflated to its maximum capacity.

No. The maintenance can be done by any adult person. The activities to be carried out do not require an effort greater than that required in the operation of the farm. To learn more about the type of daily maintenance activities, refer to the user manual.

Theoretically, poultry manure has a higher biogas potential than cow manure; however, it also has a high nitrogen content, which can limit digester efficiency. A good practice is to combine poultry manure with cow manure and to avoid overloading the reactor.

Each biodigester is different. For this reason, the quantity of hydrogen sulfide that is produced is different for every user, and therefore the filter material (ferrous oxide) has a variable duration. The best would be to frequently (every 2/3 weeks) check the state of the ferrous oxide and replace it when it has been consumed. The user will progressively learn how frequently he or she has to replace the filter. Whenever a smell of rotten eggs is detected, the filter should be replaced. It is important to mention that the filters are economical and accessible: any type of iron fiber such as those used to wash the dishes can be used. Before placing the new iron fiber inside the filter, make sure you dip it in with water and let it rest in fresh air until you see rust stains (use of vinegar makes the process faster). For more information about changing the filter material, refer to the user manual.

It depends on the size of the system. It is important to mention that the distance is in reference to the length of the gas line (pipe) and not to the linear distance from the biodigester to the point of use.

Sistema.bio focuses on providing easily operated digester systems that require no or very little maintenance. The installation of underground biogas piping is the main reason for digester installation issues, and as piping is not visible it is complicated to troubleshoot and solve. For this reason, Sistema.bio only provides overground biogas piping.

At Sistema.bio, we offer our clients the option to pay in installments without any additional interest. The requirements to apply for this credit are as follows:

• The loanee and the guarantor must not be older than 65 years.
• The person who applies for the credit must be the owner or live in the farm.
• A guarantor must be present at the time of loan application and he must live on or near the farm.
• The location of the farm must be a maximum of two hours away from any Sistema.bio office
• The document required is an official identification of both the client and the guarantor.

   * The credit is subject to the approval by the credit committee.