How Novilla RNG Solved H₂S-Induced Cooling System Failures with G&D Chillers

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a well-known challenge in biogas production — and its corrosive properties can significantly reduce equipment life if not properly addressed. For Novilla RNG, this reality surfaced nearly a year after initial biogas chiller installation.

Early Conversations at RNG Works

At the RNG Works conference in Nashville, Novilla RNG leadership met with Scott Timms of G&D Chillers to discuss material degradation mechanisms caused by H₂S exposure. Their chillers were less than a year old and operating within expected parameters, so long‑term impacts were not yet visible.

Nine Months Later: Failure Modes Appear

Over the following months, Novilla RNG began experiencing clear signs of H₂S attack:

• Perforation of evaporator and condenser coils
• Accelerated corrosion of copper conductors inside junction boxes and control panels
• Functional reliability risks stemming from continuous exposure to H₂S-rich biogas environments

The damage aligned with well-documented sulfide corrosion pathways in HVAC and cooling systems operating in biogas plants.

Why Novilla RNG Chose G&D Chillers

After evaluating replacement options, the Novilla team selected G&D Chillers due to their engineered modifications for high-H₂S service, including:

• Strategic material upgrades
• Corrosion-resistant component selection
• Additional protective measures for coils and electrical systems

These enhancements directly address the degradation patterns Novilla had experienced.

Smooth Installation & Remote Support

The replacement chiller installation required no unusual field modifications. Commissioning was supported remotely by G&D’s engineering team, who provided:

• Installation parameter guidance
• Recommended operating conditions
• Best practices for maximizing longevity in corrosive biogas environments

Proven Performance in High-H₂S Exposure

Since commissioning, the G&D Chillers unit has delivered:

• Zero coil degradation
• No electrical component corrosion
• Consistent, stable cooling performance

Based on these results, Novilla RNG has officially standardized on G&D Chillers for all future installations.

A Partnership Built on Engineering, Reliability & Real Results

Novilla’s experience is a powerful example of the importance of equipment purpose‑built for biogas service. Hydrogen sulfide is unavoidable in these applications — but system failure doesn’t have to be.

G&D Chillers remains committed to designing cooling solutions that stand up to the realities of renewable natural gas production, backed by responsive technical support and long-term reliability.

A special thanks to Rodney Taylor, VP of Operations at Novilla RNG, for sharing this journey and the results achieved.