What is the flammability status of Methane (CH4) in digester gas?

Methane (CH4) is considered highly flammable and is classified as a combustible gas. In the context of digester gas, which is primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, the flammability of methane is significant for safety and operational considerations. Methane has a wide flammability range, with the lower explosive limit (LEL) at about 5% by volume in air and an upper explosive limit (UEL) at around 15%. This means that when methane is present in air within this concentration range, it can ignite and potentially lead to explosions.

Additionally, methane is lighter than air, which means that in the event of a leak, it tends to rise and disperse into the atmosphere rather than pooling at ground level. This factor is essential in determining safety protocols and ventilation requirements in areas where methane is present, including wastewater treatment facilities using digesters.

Understanding the flammable nature of methane is crucial for ensuring proper safety measures are in place to mitigate the risk of fire or explosion in facilities where digester gas is generated and utilized. This knowledge helps in adopting effective hazard management practices and providing training for personnel working with such gases.