CSANR > Resources > Anaerobic Digestion > Types of Digesters

Types of Digesters

Several digester designs are used in dairy systems. The right choice depends on manure characteristics, climate, and how the system will be managed.

Covered lagoon

  • Large, lined lagoons covered to capture biogas
  • Lower cost and simpler to operate
  • Best suited for liquid manure systems and warmer climates
  • Less control over temperature and performance

Plug flow

  • Long, narrow tanks where manure moves through in stages
  • Common for scraped manure systems with higher solids content
  • More consistent performance than lagoons
  • Moderate cost and management requirements

Explore Topics

Complete mix

  • Enclosed tanks with active mixing and temperature control
  • Handles a wider range of feedstocks
  • Higher gas production potential
  • Higher cost and more intensive management

No single design is best in all situations. Selection depends on how manure is handled on the farm, local climate conditions, and how much control the operator wants over the digestion process.

Resources

These WSU Extension publications discuss the many types of anaerobic digesters: