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Biogas Production and Biogas Plant Explosion Risks
Anaerobic Digestion - Gas Production
Anaerobic Digestion - Gas Production
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell]Michael Russell
A typical gas system comprises the digester cover, pressure and vacuum relief devices, water trap, flame trap,
pressure regulator, gas meter, check valve, pressure gauges, waste gas burner and a gas holder. Mixing of digesters
by means of gas re-circulation requires a compressor.
 The digester is covered to contain odours, maintain temperature, keeps air out and to collect the
gas. Fixed covers are more usual than floating covers. During normal operation, there is a space for gas
collection between the cover and the liquid surface of the digester contents. The cover of a digester has
certain unique features that the operating staff must be aware of, for example, how the variation in pressure
and the level inside the digester may affect the cover. The biggest danger associated with the operation of
fixed cover digesters occurs when the pressure relief device mounted on top of the digester fails or the
sludge overflow line blocks and the liquid level in the digester continues to rise. In such a situation, the
excess gas pressure inside the digester can exceed the maximum design pressure and damage the cover or its
mountings. Fixed covers can also be damaged by excess negative pressure (vacuum) or if the rate of waste
sludge withdrawal exceeds the feed rate or the vacuum relief device fails.
The function of the pressure relief device is to allow pressure that exceeds a safe level to escape from the
digester. The manufacturer's specifications should provide the following information to enable the operating staff
to control the gas system safely. (a) The system's normal operating pressure (mm water gauge). (b) The pressure at
which the pressure relief device should operate. (c) The rated gas flow capacity of the pipes.
A gas system generally comprises three pressure relief devices; one mounted on the cover of the digester, one on
the gas holder and one situated at the end of the gas line before the gas burner. This device releases gas to the
waste gas burner before the design gas pressure of the digester cover is reached.
The vacuum relief device functions in the opposite manner to the pressure relief device and allows air to enter the
digester in the event of the waste sludge being withdrawn too rapidly. Air should not, under normal conditions, be
allowed to enter the digester because a mixture of air and methane is potentially highly explosive.
Gas leaving the digester is almost saturated with water vapour. As the gas cools, the water vapour condenses
causing problems. The problem is more severe when digesters are heated. To solve the problem it is essential to
remove as much of the moisture as possible before the gas comes into contact with the gas system devices. For this
reason, water traps should be located as close to the digester as possible. All piping should be sloped a minimum
of 1% towards the water trap, which should be situated at a low point in the gas line.
Flame traps are emergency devices installed in gas lines to prevent flames travelling back up the gas line
(flashback) and reaching the digester. The flame trap generally consists of a box filled with stone or a metal
grid. If a flame develops in the gas line, the temperature of the flame is reduced below the ignition point as it
passes through the trap and the flame is extinguished.
Pressure regulators are used when a lower pressure than the system operating pressure, is required for a specific
device such as a boiler water heater or incinerator. Regulators maintain a constant gas pressure at the point of
use
The rate of gas production is probably the most sensitive process control indicator at the disposal of the
operating staff. Gas meters should be regularly serviced so as to give accurate and reliable gas readings. Every
effort should be made to have the gas meter calibrated every six months.
Check valves (non-return valves) are installed in the gas line to allow gas flow in one direction only i.e. out of
the digester.
Gas pressure gauges indicate the pressure in the gas system and assist in locating any blockages in the line. If a
blockage occurs, a pressure reading downstream will register a lower pressure than that of a gauge upstream.
The pressure relief device at the waste gas burner safely flares excess gas to the atmosphere and thus reduces the
potential for a dangerous accumulation of gas in the system.
Many anaerobic digestion waste treatment plants have a means of storing excess gas. This can be in the form of
either a floating roof on the digester or a separate gasholder.
A mixture of biogas and air can be explosive. Methane gas in concentrations of between 5% and 15% in air by volume
is explosive. Operating staff on waste treatment plants should ensure that no air is allowed to enter the digester
or gasholder. All piping and equipment must be sealed properly to prevent gas from escaping to the outside. There
must be no smoking and all electrical installations, including light switches, torches etc must be of the
explosion-proof type, as the smallest spark could ignite escaped gases.
Your Independent guide to Waste Treatments In Europe all Biogas Plants must satisfy the EU ATEX Directive for all gas explosion,
asphyxiation etc hazards. For more information visit the ATEX and DSEAR web site.
by by Michael Russell - 22 July 2008
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The main constituents of the gas produced in a digester are carbon dioxide (25 to 40%) and methane (60 to 75%).
Small amounts (1 to 5%) of nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide and hydrogen are also produced. Precautions must be taken as
methane and air can form an explosive mixture.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
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