Anaerobic Digester Course
December 3, 2025 – Aquafix Laboratory, 510 Charmany Drive, Madison, WI 53719
(6 Wastewater Credits)

The class will start promptly at 9:15 am. The class will end at 3:15 pm.

9:15 am – 9:30 am: Anaerobic digester introduction – Advantages of using anaerobic digestion, specific areas to focus on, and course overview.

9:30 am – 10:15 am: Anaerobic digester overview – Types of digesters, operational environmental requirements, key points on keeping methanogens happy.

10:15 am – 10:35 am: Digester monitoring – Looking at different process control parameters including pH, VA:ALK ratio, biogas monitoring, loading monitoring, and other helpful data.

10:35 am – 11:00 am: Sampling procedures – Where, when, and how to sample your digester.

11:00 am – 11:20 am: Anaerobic digester microbes – Looking at microorganisms inside your digester including acid formers and methane formers.

11:20 am – 11:45 am: Nutritional requirements – Monitoring the different nutritional requirements to keep digesters functioning well.

11:45 am – 12:15 pm: Working lunch – We will take a look at different microbes in anaerobic digesters.

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm: Hands on anaerobic digester lab testing – We will perform VA:ALK testing, biomethane potential, specific methanogenic activity, and other helpful lab equipment.

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Anaerobic upsets and recovery – Tips and tricks for recovering after a digester upset.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Anaerobic case studies – We will discuss specific case studies of anaerobic digester operation.

3:00 pm – 3:15 pm: Conclusions and frequently asked questions

Course Instructors: Saylor, Dan McKeaton, Deborah Lee – Aquafix, Inc. (WRWA Associate Member)

Pre-Registration is required for this class

Click below for a printable class agenda:

Anaerobic Digester Course (12-3-2025) – Madison