Services
Live Core Drilling for Anaerobic Digesters
Live core drilling is a specialist service that allows anaerobic digestion (AD) operators to safely access and extract samples from live digesters without the need for full drain-down or shutdown. At BioContractors, we deliver engineered, field-proven live core drilling solutions designed specifically for biogas and AD systems.
Used across the UK and Europe, this service helps operators gain accurate, real-time insight into digester performance while maintaining gas containment and operational uptime.
Our Approach
Key features:
Pressure-rated, purpose-built equipment for biogas environments
Remote extraction of samples to avoid personnel entry
Gas-tight operation with no compromise to containment
Fully risk-assessed and method-statement-led delivery
Rapid deployment across the UK and Europe
Our service is delivered by experienced anaerobic digestion professionals with deep technical knowledge of biogas systems. Every project is tailored to site requirements, ensuring safe delivery and actionable outcomes.
We make sure that our equipment and methodology meet the rigorous safety, environmental, and operational standards required in AD operations.
Why choose Live Core Drilling?
Live core drilling in anaerobic digestion offers a superior approach to understanding substrate conditions. Rather than relying solely on assumptions or historical data, this method provides precise, site-specific insights that are critical for making informed operational decisions.
Operators can obtain real-time data on the physical and chemical properties of the materials involved in the digestion process. This technique allows for a thorough examination of the substrate composition, moisture content, and potential contaminants, leading to a comprehensive understanding of how these factors influence biogas production and digestion efficiency.
Benefits of Live Core Drilling
Operational Continuity
Avoids the need for full tank emptying or process interruption, minimising downtime and lost gas yield.
Fast, Accurate Insights
Provides immediate, reliable data to support performance analysis and decision-making.
Improved Maintenance Planning
Enables evidence-based scheduling of maintenance, cleaning, or refurbishment works.
Enhanced Plant Longevity
Regular internal sampling helps identify issues early, reducing the risk of long-term structural or process failures.
What our clients are saying
“Thank you for reacting so quickly to our last-minute need for some hole drilling, I was very happy with the work the guys delivered, the connections were put to work before your guys even finished clearing the tools away.”
Chris Jenkins | Plant Manager, ENGIE UK
Get in touch
Interested in our Live Core Drilling?
To find out more about our services please contact us using the form and one of our expert team will be in touch