As the renewable energy industry accelerates, the demand for reliable, high-performance filtration solutions in renewable natural gas (RNG) applications has never been greater. Producing pipeline-quality RNG from landfill gas requires a rigorous, multi-step purification process—one that can effectively eliminate moisture, particulates, and harmful organic compounds like siloxanes. Willexa Energy, a leader in biogas purification with over 25 years of experience, understands these challenges firsthand. To maintain its standard of excellence and meet the strict gas quality requirements for RNG injection, Willexa turned to nano-purification solutions. With industry-certified compressed air filtration systems built to handle the toughest environments, nano delivered the reliability, performance, and compliance Willexa needed to elevate its purification capabilities.
Elevating Biogas to Pipeline-Quality Renewable Natural Gas
Willexa Energy, a purification equipment leader based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has earned its reputation through more than 25 years of innovation in landfill gas purification. Known as one of the longest-standing and most reliable providers of regenerative siloxane removal solutions, Willexa designs complex systems that convert landfill gas—a form of biogas—into high-purity Renewable Natural Gas (RNG).
To achieve pipeline-quality RNG, Willexa Energy relies on precise control over each step of the purification process, from hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) reduction to final polishing. Among the most critical stages are gas filtration solutions that ensure the removal of particulate matter, oil carryover, and residual organic compounds, especially harmful siloxanes. When Willexa required a trusted partner to meet these filtration demands with precision, reliability, and industry compliance, they turned to nano-purification solutions.
The Challenge: Complex Contaminants in Landfill Gas Streams
Biogas primarily consists of methane and carbon dioxide. However, it also contains a complex mix of impurities such as moisture, H₂S, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—most notably siloxanes. These synthetic organic compounds are introduced into landfills via common consumer and industrial products like cosmetics, coatings, and food additives.
As waste decomposes, siloxanes vaporize into the biogas stream. Their presence poses a significant risk: once the RNG is combusted or compressed, siloxanes oxidize into microscopic silica particles that can damage downstream components such as compressors, engines, and turbines.
Meeting pipeline-quality standards requires an advanced RNG filtration system capable of eliminating these contaminants without disrupting flow rates or increasing pressure drops. Pipeline operators enforce strict limits on siloxane levels, making compressed air filtration and biogas filtration non-negotiable components of any RNG project.
The Solution: nano’s Custom-Engineered Filtration Systems
To protect system integrity and ensure compliance with ISO standards, Willexa Energy integrated nano-purification solutions’ advanced filtration systems into its 13-step purification process. Specifically, nano’s filters play a pivotal role at two crucial points:
- Step 9: nano Pre-Filter – Provides a backup for condensate removal if upstream dehydration systems underperform.
- Step 11: nano After Filters – Dual-filter skids designed to remove particulates down to 0.01 micron, including any potential oil or liquid residue after thermal swing adsorption.
These filtration steps are essential to preserving the effectiveness of the downstream carbon polish system and membrane skids, and ultimately ensuring gas purity for injection into natural gas pipelines.
Built for Performance: Stainless Steel and ISO-Certified Filtration
Willexa required high-performance filtration components that could withstand the harsh conditions of untreated landfill gas. nano delivered by supplying filters with 304 stainless steel housings, tested and validated to meet the stringent requirements of ISO 12500-1 and ISO 8573.1:2010. These certifications ensure reliable efficiency in removing oil aerosols, particulates, and liquid contaminants in compressed gas systems.
nano’s filters support high flow rates—up to 10,000 SCFM per unit—without compromising contaminant retention. This performance is critical for Willexa’s large-scale RNG systems, where downtime or underperformance can result in costly delays and regulatory non-compliance.
Seamless Integration and Speed of Supply
Switching from their previous filter supplier to nano was a strategic decision for Willexa Energy. While performance and compliance were vital, other operational factors also played a role. nano’s ability to design, manufacture, and deliver custom filtration solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner made the transition a clear win.
Each RNG project awarded to nano has required multiple high-capacity filters—often three 10,000 SCFM units per project. The nano team met these needs with speed and precision, ensuring Willexa could stay on schedule for installations, commissioning, and pipeline certifications.
Results: Cleaner Gas, Lower Risk, and Higher Compliance
Since implementing nano’s compressed air filtration systems into their RNG purification skids, Willexa has experienced measurable improvements in both process efficiency and output gas quality. nano’s filters ensure:
- Reliable removal of liquid aerosols and fine particulates down to 0.01 microns.
- Extended lifespan of downstream equipment including TSA beds, carbon polish systems, and CO₂ membrane skids.
- Full compliance with RNG pipeline quality standards and ISO filtration benchmarks.
- Reduced system maintenance due to fewer clogs and lower risk of oil carryover.
By protecting each stage of the purification chain, nano’s filtration solutions help Willexa maintain operational uptime and deliver a cleaner, more consistent RNG product to its customers.
Supporting the Energy Transition with Reliable Biogas Filtration
As the demand for low-carbon energy alternatives rises, renewable natural gas has emerged as a critical contributor to global decarbonization efforts. RNG projects help transform waste emissions from landfills and anaerobic digesters into clean-burning fuel that can be used in homes, vehicles, and industry.
Filtration technology is central to this transition. Without effective removal of organic compounds, siloxanes, and moisture, RNG cannot meet pipeline injection standards or protect energy infrastructure. nano-purification solutions enables companies like Willexa to overcome these challenges at scale with engineered, performance-tested products that enhance gas quality and process safety.
A Partnership for Long-Term Success
nano-purification solutions continues to work closely with Willexa Energy as they expand their RNG project portfolio across North America. With each new installation, nano's commitment to delivering reliable, certified, and responsive filtration systems reinforces their role as a critical partner in the clean energy supply chain.
By providing filters that are both robust and responsive to the complex chemistry of landfill gas, nano helps Willexa fulfill its mission: to bring reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible purification systems to the RNG market.
Ready to Optimize Your RNG Filtration Process?
nano-purification solutions provides high-performance compressed air filtration and biogas filtration systems designed for the most demanding purification processes in the RNG industry.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing project or building a new RNG facility, we can help you meet your gas quality goals—safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Contact us today to learn more about our RNG filtration solutions.
