The Shift Toward Decentralized Biomethane Production
Not every biomethane project needs to be a large, centralized plant.
Across Europe, small to medium-sized biogas facilities increasingly produce high-quality biomethane closer to the feedstock source — on farms, at waste treatment facilities, or near industrial sites.
In particular, membrane separation is one of the fastest-growing upgrading technologies driving this shift toward decentralization.
How Membrane Separation Works
Membrane systems use selective permeability — a physical process where, as a result, different gases pass through a membrane at different rates.
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Compression: The system pressurizes raw biogas.
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First Pass: It pushes the gas through a semi-permeable membrane. Smaller molecules (like CO₂) pass through faster than larger methane molecules.
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Multiple Stages: To achieve pipeline-quality CH₄ levels, the gas typically moves through two or three membrane stages, each of which further increases methane concentration.
As a result, membrane systems produce biomethane with 97%+ CH₄ content — ready for compression, storage, or injection.
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Advantages of Membrane Separation
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Compact Footprint: Ideal for smaller sites or locations with limited space.
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Energy Efficiency: Particularly competitive at small to medium scales.
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Modular & Scalable: Moreover, membrane systems can expand as production grows.
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No Water or Chemicals: They offer a simple, clean operation.
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Considerations and Limitations
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Pre-Treatment Required: Operators must remove H₂S, moisture, and particles to protect the membranes.
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Multi-Stage Investment: Achieving the highest purity often involves multiple membrane stages.
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Fouling Sensitivity: Oils, dust, or other contaminants may degrade performance over time.
Where Membranes Shine
Membrane upgrading is especially well-suited for:
Decentralized plants without pipeline access
Projects planning gradual capacity growth
Operators seeking low-maintenance, modular systems
From On-Site Upgrading to Off-Site Use — Gaznet’s Role
When your membrane system produces clean biomethane, Gaznet’s Type IV composite MEGC containers bridge the gap between production and market:
Flexible Deployment: MEGCs can be filled on-site and transported anywhere — no pipeline required.
Cost-Effective Logistics: Their lightweight composite design helps reduce transport costs.
Regulatory Peace of Mind: ADR-approved for safe, compliant European transport.
Consequently, with membrane upgrading and MEGC transport, you can produce biomethane anywhere — and deliver it everywhere.