What might occur if digester gas is mixed with air at 85 to 95% by volume?

When digester gas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, is mixed with air at a concentration of 85 to 95% by volume, the gas mixture enters a highly combustible range. At these percentages, the presence of methane in the digester gas and the oxygen in the air can create conditions that are ripe for combustion. This can lead to an explosive reaction if an ignition source is introduced.

Methane's flammability is significant, and when it is combined with air, as the concentration of methane approaches the lower explosive limit, the risk of an explosion greatly increases. This phenomenon is crucial for operators to understand for safety reasons, as managing the composition of digester gas is essential to prevent hazardous situations in wastewater treatment facilities.

Mixing digester gas with air does not enhance the digestion process or improve gas production; in fact, it can pose serious safety risks rather than beneficial effects. Similarly, the idea that such a mixture could cause a chemical reaction is less precise than recognizing the specific explosive potential of the gas mixture. Understanding these risks is vital for maintaining safe operations within wastewater treatment systems.