ICM/PBS personnel provided design, construction supervision, technical development, start-up and training services for the implementation of the anaerobic Bio-Methanation system at Agri-Energy, LLC Fuel Ethanol Plant in Luverne, MN. This plant is identical to the plant built in Preston, MN. Both Bio-Methanation plants were designed and built by ICM-Phoenix for Broin and Associates, the constructors of the Fuel Ethanol Plants.  

     The treatment system was fabricated and constructed by ICM, Inc of Colwich, KS, based on design develop- jointly by ICM/PBS personnel. 

     The plant consists of a single upflow expanded- bed, 30,000 gal bio-reactor, capable of removing up to 4,000 pounds per day of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand). The bio-reactor is located out-of-doors, while all control and sampling units are located in- side the plant's utility building.  

     The entire anaerobic system was pre-fabricated at the ICM shop in Colwich and shipped to the site in Luverne for installation, which required less than two weeks. The main bio-reactor is pre-molded FRP including all internals.

     The entire unit was installed in July 1998 and started up in August 1998. Start-up was completed in four days and the plant was turned over to operating personnel shortly thereafter. The plant has operated successfully since start-up averaging over 92% COD reduction and consistently producing effluent waters suitable for discharge to the City of Luverne waste water treatment plant.   

     Daily operating costs are extremely low, requiring only one to two hours per day of operator and lab time along with small amounts of nutrient chemicals and less than 15 operating horsepower. Bio-gas produced by the system is piped to the plants' DDGS dryer providing an energy return of approximately $5,000 per year.