---
url: https://www.eurocovers.eu/glossary/mesophilic-digestion
term: Mesophilic digestion
definition: Anaerobic digestion operating at approximately 35°C, the most common temperature regime for agricultural and municipal biogas operations. Floating covers retain process heat.
updated: 2026-05-25
---

# Mesophilic digestion

Anaerobic digestion operating at approximately 35°C, the most common temperature regime for agricultural and municipal biogas operations. Floating covers retain process heat.

**Mesophilic digestion** is anaerobic digestion at an operating temperature of approximately 35°C
— the favoured temperature range for most agricultural and municipal biogas operations because of
the balance between digestion rate, process stability, and heating energy cost. For digesters
operating in ambient < 15°C, surface heat loss is a significant heating budget; floating covers
reduce this by 60–80%.

The heat-retention contribution of the patented hexagonal cover was specifically recognised by
the US Department of Energy — see [/heritage](/heritage).