This article takes a look at the procedures undertaken in the final stages of the biogas plant. These tasks include fabrication of manholes, installing biogas appliances, setting up a testing unit chamber, and checking for leaks.
Introduction
Finishing procedures on the biogas plant occur after construction. These may involve rectifications where the construction was inadequate. As a result, after construction, it is important to better the environmental state of the work area. For instance, fabricate the manholes and the chambers to produce a more aesthetic look.
The next step is to install the biogas appliances and look for any malfunctions within the biogas plant. This is done by setting up a testing unit chamber. For this reason, the chamber is valuable for quality management, detection of leaks, pressure measurements, and checking the amount of gas passing through the gas meter. Equally important, gather, clean, and repair all construction equipment if damaged. Finally, put the equipment in place, just in case, there is another biogas project elsewhere to be implemented (House, 2011).
Finishing Procedures of a Biogas System
The finishing procedures in a biogas plant involve, but are not limited to the following:
a) Fabrication of the manholes: All man-made holes and chambers that lay above the ground surface require to be made to look better in the context of its surrounding. This can be made possible through plastering of the features. These works, therefore, act as precautions and serve as good landmarks (Keller,2010).
Procedures like marking the area after construction can be effective in ensuring the safety of people and animals, thus making sure the biogas plant is free from pollution and contamination.
b) Installation of appliances: Install a biogas lamp in a downward position to enhance gas combustion. Because biogas requires a large volume of air to burn, the burner must feature an air rationing device to regulate the usage of air. Biogas contains roughly 35% carbon dioxide and hence does not catch fire when mixed with air.
Additionally, it is important to consider reducing the size from 3/4 ‘’ to ½ ‘’ pipes for easier passage through the walls and connecting them to the respective consumption point(s).
In addition, depending on the type of lamp, gas lamps are frequently mounted on walls or at the roof ceiling. Include a gas valve to control the gas flow, the brightness of the light, as well as switching it on and off.
Note: You should not mix kerosene or any flammable gas with biogas to prevent impurities and biogas contamination.
c) Checking for leakages: Pressure test each section of the piping system for gas leaks after installation. This is carried out using a pressure indicator. Apply a thick soap solution to all joints and taps to check for leaks as soon as gas production commences. The foam will either move or break in the presence of one (Bajgain, 1994).
d) Finishing Modifications
Some new technologies and modifications that may be considered during the finishing of biogas appliances include the following:
- Special lamps and stoves which utilize biogas,
- Appliances using conventional liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)such as lamps, stoves, and refrigerators use biogas and
- Modification of different engines using diesel or petrol in utilizing biogas.
Conclusion
Biogas plant installation needs to be thorough from the beginning stage to the final stage. Consequently, biogas technicians must undertake finishing measures to ensure that no major errors are present after construction and also, during the installation of the biogas system. This ensures that the biogas plant runs efficiently and is productive in its output. Because the installation of biogas is involving in terms of resources, technicians must perform due diligence on the biogas plant. To sum up, finishing touches or post-construction measures are critical in the life and performance of a biogas
References
Bajgain, S. (1994). Nepal Biogas Plant-Construction Manual.
Giuliano Grassi, & Andrea Salimbeni. (2012). Application of algae technology in biogas digestate treatment and the opportunity of algal bio-fertilizers in European farms
House, S. (2011). Design, construction, and maintenance of a biogas generator. Oxfam GB, Oxford, UK2011.
Kellner, C. (2002). Manual for the Construction of a Bio Digester, “LUPO” Design. Edition for Ethiopia, 1-30.
Panwar, N.L. & Narale, Pradip. (2017). Biogas Refrigeration. Cooling India.
Rajendran, K., Aslanzadeh, S., & Taherzadeh, M. J. (2012). Household biogas digesters—A review. Energies, 5(8), 2911-2942.
This article is an excerpt from the book “The Blue Flame: Biogas Training Blueprint”
Suggested Citation in APA
Wanjohi, A.M. (2022). The Blue Flame: Biogas Training Blueprint. Nairobi: Kenya Projects Organization
For inquiries about Biogas installation for Domestic and Commercial use at household and institutional levels, kindly contact KENPRO Support Team or call us at +254725788400.