Methane Digester: How It Works

How methane digesters work.

The system has a receiving pit with three chambers that holds 25,000 gallons each—one for influent, one for effluent and the third for receiving food waste from a local university.

The methane digester has a 225 kw generator that is rated at 360 hp. The system creates enough electricity to power 200 homes on a daily basis, which is remarkably similar to the number of single homes bordering the farm property. So essentially the Brubakers provide for all of their neighbors’ energy needs. The system uses 5% of the electricity to power the pumps for the separator.

The digested manure is pumped to the separator. The separator has a by-pass, and the liquid flows out to the lagoon. The system will handle 21,000 gallons of manure going through the methane digester.

The digested manure is pumped to the separator. The separator has a by-pass, and the liquid flows out to the lagoon. The system will handle 21,000 gallons of manure going through the methane digester.

DHM Logo-Black-CL
Read Next
U.S. dairy exports continue to surge in 2026, with first-quarter volumes climbing 11% year-over-year as record cheese and butterfat demand helps absorb growing milk production.
Get News Daily
Get Market Alerts
Get News & Markets App