Quasar was founded in 2006 and views waste reduction as a natural biological process, similar to what happens within the human body. According to a World Biogas Association report, Anaerobic digestion could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 13%.
Kurtz stated, “You put energy into, you get energy output, and we are capturing this energy before it goes into our pipeline.”
The company focuses mainly on the agricultural sector and the waste-water treatment sector. According to the EPA, over 16,000 municipal wastewater treatment facilities are in operation across the country. Many of these facilities require immediate assistance in treating the large amounts of domestic sewage they produce.
Complex bacteria breaks down organic matter in anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. In a technique called co-digestion, multiple organic materials can be combined to increase biogas production. This is ideal for low-yielding or difficult-to digest waste.
Quasar recently upgraded existing digesters at the East Ohio Regional Wastewater Authority facility in Bellaire. The plant can now capture methane gas and convert it into electricity via an on-site microturbine. The plant is powered by electricity, and any remaining power is fed back into the electrical grid.
The Bellaire plant also produces Class A biosolids that can be used to fertilize food-growing farms. The plant used to only produce biosolids for animal feed.
Quasar has been a partner with Ohio State University’s Wooster campus since years for various laboratory services. This includes the study of the biomethane potency of feedstock. Compact, on-site digesters “stresstest” larger systems to determine any necessary changes for optimal digester capacity.
Kurtz cited Quasar’s success as a result of Quasar’s constant advancement in technology. The firm has used complex fluid dynamics over the years to increase digester efficiency. Automation allows engineers to predict maintenance times for tanks’ internal pumps and blowers.
Although Quasar has encountered challenges within its supply chain — particularly as the pandemic slowed down deliveries — longtime relationships with a half-dozen vendors have eased what could have been a more painful transition.
Kurtz said, “That’s when character really counts.” We have been through these battles together with our suppliers and decided that we would make each other important. We have a great supply system, good technology and a wonderful lab. We also have lots of operational experience.
Quasar continues to be busy thanks to California’s low carbon fuel standards. This boon is further supported by an anaerobic digest market that’s expected to reach $15.3 million by 2025 according to a Medgadget report. Kurtz believes his services will be a leader in a world where “climate changes” is a common term.
Kurtz stated that the federal government has provided millions of research dollars to help with this work. These are competitive proposals to win contracts. You get them because what you offer is a good solution to the government’s goals. Our guys did a great job and have proven that this isn’t a dirty or unnecessary business. I’m proud about what we’re doing.
