Biogas plants and cogeneration
Emission measurements at biogas plants and cogeneration units
We measure emissions from the engines of cogeneration units at biogas plants and deliver a report usable for the operating permit, the Czech Environmental Inspectorate and ISPOP.
- Biogas and cogeneration engines
- Report for inspectorate and authorities
- Link to ISPOP
Accredited laboratory No. 1599
View the documentsMeasurements
From the permit to the measurement report
What we measure at a biogas plant engine
We measure emissions from the engines of cogeneration units running on biogas.
When and how the measurement is carried out
One-off emission measurements are carried out by an authorised person.
Service details
What we measure at a biogas plant engine
We measure emissions from the engines of cogeneration units running on biogas. For reciprocating engines, Decree No. 415/2012 Coll. sets specific emission limits for NOx, CO, SO₂ and particulate matter depending on the fuel, thermal input and date of commissioning, and it contains a special provision for biogas.
The exact scope, however, is set by the operating permit. Biogas is not natural gas and for fuels other than natural gas the scope of assessment can change significantly, so we verify it from your permit and the latest report, not from a template.
When and how the measurement is carried out
One-off emission measurements are carried out by an authorised person. The operator announces the date in ISPOP at least 5 working days before the measurement, and the protocol data are reported through ISPOP within 60 days.
The decree requires a measurement within 4 months at the latest after the source is first put into operation, after a change of fuel stated in the permit and after any intervention in the design or equipment that could change emissions. Measurement is carried out under stable operation and representative load, so we agree the date with the regime of your plant.
Scope and deliverables
We measure emissions from the engines of cogeneration units at biogas plants and deliver a report usable for the operating permit, the Czech Environmental Inspectorate and ISPOP. The scope follows the operating permit, biogas as the fuel and the actual engine regime.
What we measure within our accreditation
Within our accreditation we measure solid particulate matter (TZL) isokinetically, NOx, CO, SO₂ and O₂ with analysers, TOC and VOC, HCl and inorganic chlorine compounds, heavy metals (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, Tl, V, Zn, Al, Fe, Si, Hg) and gas moisture, velocity and volume flow. The specific scope is determined by the permit for your operation.
We use the same procedure for other sources: boiler plants, paint shops, dryers, biogas plants, diesel generator sets, wood-processing plants, electroplating shops and other technologies. You will find the overview under Facilities and technologies.
Price, timing and scope of measurement
Price and quote
The price depends on the number of sources and substances measured, the difficulty of the measuring points and the distance. Send us your documents and we will prepare a non-binding quote. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
Date and report
We agree the measurement date according to your operation and the authority's requirement. The delivery date of the report will be stated in the quote.
What determines the scope
The scope and frequency of measurement are not set by us, but by the operating permit, the authority's decision or a request from the hygiene station (KHS) or the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP). Send them to us and we will verify exactly what is required of you.
How a project works
Review of documents
We review your documents, authority requirements and propose the best approach.
Scope and schedule
We clarify the scope of measurements, studies or documentation and plan timing.
Measurements and processing
We carry out measurements, calculations or document preparation as agreed.
Expert deliverable
We deliver a report, study or documentation ready for the next permitting step.
Frequently asked questions
Which substances are measured at a biogas plant engine?
The scope is set by the operating permit, the fuel and the engine type. Biogas is a different fuel from natural gas, so we do not derive the scope from boilers or natural gas but from your permit and the latest report.
When must measurement be carried out after commissioning or a modification of a cogeneration unit?
Under Decree No. 415/2012 Coll., within 4 months at the latest after the source is first put into operation, after a change of fuel stated in the permit or after an intervention in the design or equipment that could change emissions. The frequency of later measurements follows the decree and the operating permit; we verify it from your documents.
What if the plant has several engines or stacks?
If a source discharges emissions through several stacks, the emission level is determined on each of them unless the operating permit states otherwise. When the source is classified, the relationship of several units in one operation is also assessed, so compare the stack diagram with your permit before ordering.
Do you also address noise and dispersion at biogas plants?
Yes, we follow up measurement with a dispersion or noise study or EIA documentation when operation changes. Our sector overview for biogas and biomethane covers air quality, odour, noise and transport; the exact scope depends on your project and the authority's requirement.
How much does emission measurement cost?
The price depends on the number of sources and substances measured, the measuring points and the distance. After receiving your documents we will prepare a non-binding quote.
How soon will I receive the report?
The delivery date of the report will be stated in the quote according to the scope of measurement. Data from the report are notified to ISPOP within 60 days using form F_OVZ_JME.
Do you measure throughout the Czech Republic?
Yes. We carry out on-site measurement of emissions, the working environment, noise and other quantities throughout the Czech Republic. We have offices in České Budějovice, Prague 5 and Havlíčkův Brod.
Legal and methodological sources
- Act No. 201/2012 Coll., on Air Protection
Current wording in the e-Sbírka collection of laws, in particular the rules for one-off emission measurements.
- Decree No. 415/2012 Coll.
Requirements for determining emission levels and carrying out measurements.
- ISPOP: forms for one-off emission measurements
Official information on notifying the measurement date and the protocol data.