Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Design and engineering of biogas plants
NATHAL I E BACHMANN , EREP S.A., Switzerland
DOI: 10.1533/9780857097415.2.191
Abstract: Plant design comprises choice of technology, determination of
dimensions and plant layout. The objective is to achieve an efficient
installation that allows optimal use of the available resources. This
chapter gives an introduction to the technological options, choice
parameters and engineering rules of the digestion unit, gas storage,
pipework, pumps and valves. The significant influence of feedstock
characteristics on the plant design is highlighted throughout the chapter.
Process control technology for managing and tracking operations on the
biogas plant is also described.
Key words: process technology, design, engineering, feedstock influence.
8.1
Introduction
Plant design is a key step in the development of a biogas project. It
comprises choice of technology, determination of dimensions and plant
layout. The objective is to achieve an efficient installation, which allows
optimal use of the available resources and a progressive impact on the
natural and social environment of the plant.
Figure 8.1 shows an overview of the components of plant design, divided
into five main groups. Storage, treatments and gas transformation are
described elsewhere in this topic. This chapter covers the digestion unit, gas
storage pipework, pumps and valves. It gives an introduction to the
technological options, choice parameters and engineering rules concerning
biogas plant design. This chapter also looks at process control technology,
used to manage and track the operations of a biogas plant.
The main factors influencing each step of plant design are the composition
and the amount of material that will be dealt with. Feedstock characteristics
such as dry matter content, acidification potential or pathogenic risk are
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