Biogas as an alternative energy source
Along with solar, hydro and wind energy, biogas is a regenerative energy source that helps to save fossil fuels. It is produced in biogas plants from organic material through microbial decomposition. The production process produces both energy (gas) and valuable fermentation substrate, which can be reused as fertiliser in agriculture.
If biogas is burned in a combined heat and power plant (CHP), it can be used to generate electricity and heat. Biogas can also be upgraded to biomethane. It can then be fed into the natural gas grid, stored there and used decentrally to supply electricity and heat, or used as fuel in natural gas vehicles.
More power with less retention time
The biogas plant in Bakum, Lower Saxony, also faced this challenge. With the IMPRASYN module, Tietjen offered the operator, Bernd Stricker, a process that makes it possible to release nutrients that are difficult to obtain, e.g. from lignified fibres. The yield of the raw material is considerably increased, cellulose that was previously hardly usable – as contained in grass, solid manure and straw – is efficiently tapped for biogas production.
With a retention time of only 35 days, Bernd Stricker increased the capacity of his single-stage biogas plant by 30 % with IMPRASYN.
The substrate saving of 12 % fresh mass through higher gas yield also enables the operation of an additional CHP unit. Thanks to the direct processing of threshed grain with IMPRASYN, Mr. Stricker also uses grain batches that are offered spontaneously at favourable prices.
Due to the savings in substrate and the switch to cheaper raw materials in combination with the increased output, the IMPRASYN system has already paid for itself after a very short time. Even at biogas plants where only some of these effects come into play, IMPRASYN is a real economic added value.
Everything at a glance
Raw material before IMPRASYN with IMPRASYN
Maize silage 7,600 5,400 toTS/year
Grain GPS 400 3,600 toTS/year
Liquid manure 1,200 1,000 toTS/year
Corn-Cob-Mix 700 1,100 toTS/year
Chicken manure (HTK) 200 800 toTS/year
Total volume 10,100 11,900 toTS/year
Raw material costs 1.2 million 1.4 million euros/year
Rated power 1.6 2.1 MW
The IMPRASYN module
The core component of the IMPRASYN process is the wet shredder. All parts that are in contact with the product are made of stainless steel. In the grinding chamber, fast-rotating, hardened beaters grind the substrate. A sieve circle completely closes off the grinding chamber. The sieve perforation determines the degree of comminution for the entire substrate, independent of throughput and wear. By adjusting the sieves, it is possible to react to different substrates. Wear parts can be replaced quickly and easily via two large housing doors.
Impurities are sorted out and collected in the foreign object catcher pocket. The housing is protected by armoured, replaceable wear segments. Two eccentric pumps ensure exact metering of the material and conveyance into any number of containers. The self-regulating conveying system works load-dependently from the main drive and guarantees that the shredder is always optimally utilised.
The turnkey solution for your biogas plant
Our “plug-and-play” solution is uncomplicated and immediately ready for use in a ready-to-use container with its own pumps, distribution beam and control system including complete wiring.
Our IMPRASYN container is supplied with a coordinated control cabinet containing all the necessary power components and a PLC control. This guarantees simple and reliable operation. IMPRASYN is only switched on for a few minutes per hour. The daily volume of preparation and the cycle start times can be conveniently selected and changed at any time. In addition to the throughput volumes, power consumptions of all drives are recorded. Digital access makes it possible to service and optimise IMPRASYN in an uncomplicated way.
Individually adapted to each biogas plant
We know about the different framework conditions and requirements of biogas plants and configure the ideal performance, equipment and support for you. In doing so, we adapt our IMPRASYN process individually to our customers.
If you would like to find out which savings can be achieved with the IMPRASYN system at your plant, please contact us.