Frequently asked questions

The biodigester can work with other animal’s manure like pigs, sheep, rabbits, goats, horses and even human waste. However, pig’s manure has a better performance in the biogas production.

Yes, the digester can work with this kind of manure. The only difference is the proportion of water/manure required in the digester.  For this kind of manure we will need 4 or 5 buckets of water for each bucket of manure.

Digesters can treat any kind of organic waste like crop/ plant waste; however, this kind of waste requires additional prior processing to minimize particles and facilitate the work of the bacteria. Sistema.bio focuses on manure treatment.  

The minimum waste required is a bucket of 36 liters which can be produced by medium-sized 2 cows or 5 pigs.

The minimum space required is about 9x4m (size of the smallest digester). To learn more about the sizes of the other systems you can check the product catalogue in your respective country.

The price depends on the size of the system. Sistema.bio has different sizes that are adapted according to the farmers’ 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, users capacitation and post-sales follow-up services.

The Sistema.bio digester can have a lifespan of at least 20 years when the appropriate maintenance and care is provided (check user manual). We offer a 1-0 year warranty on the reactor.

The biogas production time depends on the climate. In temperate climates, biogas will be produced in two weeks, on average climates, biogas production time is about a month and in cold climates, it takes up to two months.

We recommend upto 23°C

We recommend that you contact us to advise you on other potential domestic and mechanical biogas applications.

Biogas can be used to heat or cook meals, heat water, shower, for pen heaters and greenhouses, and even for milking machines, water pumps or chaff cutters.

No. Inside the biodigester any pathogen is nullified and there is no risk of spreading any bacteria through the biogas to the food.

No. Sistema.bio has a filter that removes an odor of decomposing eggs; a characteristic odor of hydrogen sulfide contained in biogas.

It is not recommended. The biogas generated in the digester is at ambient pressure, not like the LP gas that is compressed for transportation. Compressing biogas is a very expensive process when done on a small scale.

No. The biogas is at ambient 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 already 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 pressure relief valve and filter) to minimize the risks in farms or backyards of households. 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). By following these recommendations as well as giving the indicated daily maintenance the Sistema.bio reactor is within the safety parameters for your farm. 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.

Poultry manure has theoretically a higher biogas potential than cow manure but also has a high nitrogen content which can limit the digester efficiency. A good practice is to combine poultry manure with cow manure and as a general good practice avoid overloading

Each Sistema.bio digester is different due to climatic conditions, size and the type of manure that is fed, for these reasons, the quantity of hydrogen sulfide that is produced is different for every user, and therefore the filtration media (ferrous oxide) has a variable duration. The best way is to frequently (every 2 / 3 weeks) check the state of the ferrous oxide and replace it when it has been consumed (filter to be opened after having closed the gas line with the isolation valve). Then progressively the digester owner will know at which frequency he has to replace the filtration media. Whenever a smell of rotten eggs is detected, the filtration media should be replaced. It is important to mention that the filters are economical and accessible, as any type of iron fiber such as those used to wash the dishes can be used. Before placing the iron fiber into the filter, make sure you wet it with water and let it rust in the 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 system size and 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 of the biodigester to the point of use.

Sistema.bio focuses on providing easily operated digester systems requiring 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 over ground 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.