ICM/PBS personnel provided design, construction supervision, technical development, start-up and training services for the implementation of the anaerobic Bio-Methanation system at Pro-Corn, LLC Fuel Ethanol Plant in Preston, MN.

     The treatment system was fabricated and constructed by ICM, Inc. of Colwich, KS. 

     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 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 Preston 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 June 1998 and started up in July 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 90% COD reduction and consistently producing effluent waters suitable for discharge to the City of Preston 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. Biogas from the system is utilized in the plant DDGS Dryer.