CN114641560A

CN114641560A - Airtight container

Info

Publication number: CN114641560A
Application number: CN202080076596.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 迈克尔·戈格尔; 曼纽尔·利普
Original assignee: Xl Investment Co ltd
Current assignee: Xl Investment Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-04
Filing date: 2020-08-20
Publication date: 2022-06-17
Also published as: WO2021043590A1; EP4025682A1; CA3149974A1; DE102020116333A1; DE102020119254A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas-tight container (1), in particular a silo for storing organic substances, having a receiving chamber (2), having a base (3), having a peripheral wall (4) and having a cover device (5). The cover device (5) has a gas-tight cover (8) which is formed from a flat metal panel (6) and/or a flat metal plate (7). The cover device (5) has a support structure (9) arranged above the cover (8) and a suspension device (10). The suspension device (10) is fixed to the cover (8) and the support structure (9). The suspension device (10) is designed to support the cover (8) upwards in the direction of the bearing structure (9).

Description

Airtight container

The invention relates to a gas-tight container, in particular a silo (silo) for storing organic substances, having a receiving chamber, having a base (base), having a peripheral wall (peripheral wall), and having a roof device (roof device), wherein the roof device has a gas-tight cover (gas-light cover) which is formed from a flat metal panel and/or a flat metal plate (metal plate).

The airtight container is preferably an airtight large-capacity container.

The invention also relates to a device for obtaining gaseous energy from organic matter, in particular a biogas reactor, which device or biogas reactor has a gas-tight container.

For example, a generic gastight container is known from DE 4232318a 1.

Furthermore, an apparatus for obtaining a gaseous energy source from organic matter is known from DE 19954904a 1.

Generally, from the prior art, it is known to use gas-tight containers for receiving liquid, gas or solid substances for various applications.

Particularly in industry, and also in municipalities, large-volume containers or bulk containers are required (for example, these containers may have 100 m)³To 50000m³For example, for receiving liquids, for example also wastewater and sludge or intermediate and end products of the chemical, pharmaceutical and food processing industries. Furthermore, gas storage is required, in particular for storing biogas, sewage plant gas or landfill gas.

Furthermore, containers, in particular silos, for storing organic substances or for storing plant products are required.

So-called biogas reactors (also called fermenters) are also known, which are vessels in which microorganisms, cells or small plants are cultivated. Known in particular here are biogas reactors of biogas plants, in which biomass is degraded in an anaerobic process to form biogas and fermentation residues. Such containers are closed in an air-tight or gas-tight manner and have a stirrer and various measures and control devices for process control.

DE19756485a 1 has already disclosed a device, for example, in which fecal matter is stored in a fermentation chamber for an average of several days at a temperature of, for example, about 35 ℃, and the fermentation gas formed is collected in a gas chamber arranged above the fermentation chamber. The gas chamber is upwardly delimited by a gas-tight covering (covering) which is fixed within the gas chamber to the walls forming the fermentation chamber.

In the production of large-volume vessels, in particular when these are used as biogas reactors or as fermenters in biogas plants, a particular requirement is that the construction must be in a gastight manner. Here, this requirement applies correspondingly also to the capping device or to the capping construction of such a container.

Conventional roof devices known from the prior art, for example, conical roofs (cone roof) as shown in DE 19954904a1, cannot be produced technically or can only be produced in a gastight manner with great effort. This is particularly due to the fact that the cone-shaped cap itself needs to be screwed or otherwise attached to the wall of the container.

In this respect, the use of an additional inner covering is proposed, for example, in DE 19954904a 1.

Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to provide a cover device with a cover formed from a flat metal panel. This structure is also referred to as a membrane cover. In this case, the metal panels forming the cover are welded to one another in a gastight manner, so that an integrated gastight cover is formed. For cost and weight reasons, covers formed in this manner are typically formed from metal panels having a relatively small thickness. In order to protect the cover from the weather and also from damage, it is additionally known from the prior art to square a conical top cover on the cover, which is not inherently gas-tight.

This configuration has proven effective in practice.

However, it has been shown that lids formed from flat thin metal panels (i.e., film tops) must be prone to "flutter" if the receiving chamber of the container is subjected to pressure.

The invention is therefore based on the object of improving the airtight containers known from the prior art, in particular in order to avoid undesired movements of the lid of the container.

Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of providing a device for obtaining gaseous energy from organic matter, in particular a biogas reactor, which is improved compared to the prior art.

With regard to the gas-tight container, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

With regard to the device for obtaining a source of gaseous energy from organic matter, the object is also achieved by the features of claim 22.

An airtight container, in particular a silo for storing organic substances, is provided. The container has a receiving chamber, a base, a peripheral wall, and a lid apparatus. The cover device has an airtight cover formed of a flat metal panel and/or a flat metal plate.

The airtight container is preferably a large-capacity container.

According to the present invention, there is provided: the cover device has a bearing structure arranged above the cover and has a suspension device, wherein the suspension device is fixed to the cover and to the bearing structure and the suspension device is designed to support the cover upwards in the direction of the bearing structure.

It is to be noted that the terms "top" or "bottom" or "above" or "below" refer to a container that is correctly mounted on a base, in particular a concrete base or the like.

The inventors have realized that support of the cover leading to undesired movements of the cover, in particular rattling, is avoided. Especially for gas-tight vessels designed as biogas reactors or fermenters, undesired "fluttering" of the lid formed by thin metal panels or plates is possible in the case of prior art vessels.

The solution according to the invention now makes it possible to use a lid formed of metal panels or plates for a hermetic container without having to accept the previously encountered drawbacks, in particular "chattering".

The solution according to the invention improves the construction and in particular makes possible the use of relatively thin covers.

In the prior art, such a cover is also referred to as a "film cover" or "film overcap".

The cover may preferably be formed from a flat metal panel, although the cover may also be formed from a flat metal plate, or a combination thereof. The metal plate can in particular also be in the form of a ring or a part of a ring, or in the form of a disk.

In the case of the covers composed of metal panels, to which reference is made hereinafter, this is to be understood in the following manner: alternatively, the cover can also be produced from sheet metal or a combination thereof.

The lid according to the invention closes the wall of the container at the top side and is for this purpose preferably connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall of the container.

It is advantageous if the suspension device supports the cover upwards, so that said cover is convexly curved upwards.

In principle, the suspension device can also be configured such that: the suspension device supports the cover downwards, that is to say exerts a pressure on the cover. However, it has proved to be more suitable for the suspension device to pull the cover upwards or to support the cover upwards.

It is advantageous if the cover is of a self-supporting design.

The inventors have realized that in case of a gastight container according to the invention the lid can be realized particularly advantageously by a self-supporting design. This is understood in the context of the present invention to mean: the cover is supported only by the walls and is not provided with additional supports, in particular with a central support which is not provided in the center. However, in the context of the solution according to the invention, it is provided that the cover is supported upwards by the suspension device. In this context, the cover is still considered to be self-supporting in the context of the present invention, in particular because it has no additional load bearing supports or the like between the edge regions.

A self-supporting lightweight lid consisting of high-grade steel allows both retrofitting an existing gas-tight container with the lid and production of a new container in a corresponding manner.

The cover may have a peripheral edge region which preferably extends between the cover and the wall.

It is advantageous if the cover is connected to the wall in a gastight manner in its peripheral edge region.

The edge region of the cover is connected hermetically to the wall, which can be achieved, for example, by welding or by another material bonding method (e.g., adhesive bonding). However, the inventors have realized that it is particularly advantageous if the lid is screwed or riveted or connected to the edge region of the wall in some other way, in a force-fitting manner. Here, it is preferably provided that: the peripheral edge region of the cover has holes through which a screw connection to the wall can be achieved, preferably by means of further connecting elements (for example flanges or other profiles).

According to the present invention, there can be further provided: the roof apparatus is designed such that: the gas-tight connection between the wall and the cover is released if the pressure in the receiving chamber exceeds a defined burst pressure, which corresponds to a positive pressure of 100 millibars (mbar), particularly preferably 80 mbar, and very particularly preferably 60 mbar.

The above-described arrangement, according to which the connection between the release wall and the cover is released if the pressure in the receiving chamber exceeds a defined burst pressure, significantly increases the safety level of the gas-tight vessels, particularly in the case of the use of these vessels as biogas reactors or fermenters. In the production of gas or biogas, there may be a risk of explosion in special cases. The inventors have realised that: if a positive pressure of more than 100 mbar is established in the receiving chamber, the risk of a hazardous situation due to the risk of a gas explosion can be significantly reduced if the gastight connection between the wall and the cover is released. A particularly high level of safety can be achieved if a positive pressure of more than 80 mbar, very particularly preferably more than 60 mbar, is established which is sufficient for releasing the connection.

The release of the connection, or the bursting of the connecting part, allows the pressure to be released from the receiving chamber into the atmosphere, that is to say to the outside, so that essentially normal pressure or only slight positive pressure builds up again in the receiving chamber. The normal pressure is typically 1.01325 bar. That is, if the burst pressure corresponds to a positive pressure of 100 mbar, the connection between the wall and the cover, or the components comprised in the connection, is configured such that: if the absolute gas pressure in the receiving chamber is greater than 1.1325 bar, the gas-tight connection between the wall and the cover is released.

In particular in the case of biogas reactor or fermenter operation, it is possible to provide: the operating pressure in the receiving chamber is selected such that: the operating pressure corresponds to a positive pressure of 2 mbar to 25 mbar. It has been shown that this is particularly suitable for the operation of gas-tight vessels, in particular biogas reactors and fermenters. Firstly, a low positive pressure results in an improvement of the biogas production, and secondly, the positive pressure in the receiving chamber facilitates the removal of gas from the receiving chamber for feeding the gas to e.g. an external gas tank. For this purpose, the receiving chamber has a gas outlet opening in a known manner. This is known from the prior art, in the context of which reference is made, for example, to DE19756485a 1. A positive pressure in the receiving chamber, preferably 2 mbar to 25 mbar, has also proven suitable for avoiding the ingress of oxygen from the outside into the receiving chamber.

A low positive pressure of 25 mbar, which may also be +/-20 mbar, in the receiving chamber intended for the operation of the fermenter or biogas reactor, or generally for the operation of the airtight container, has proven advantageous. At the same time, it proves advantageous if the low burst pressure is sufficient to release the airtight connection between the wall and the cover, in order to reduce the risk of explosion or damage that may occur in the event of an explosion.

It may be advantageous to ensure that the difference between the required operating pressure (i.e. the positive pressure required for operation) and the burst pressure (i.e. the positive pressure from which the airtight connection between the wall and the lid is released) is chosen such that: the burst pressure has not yet been reached during operation for tolerance-related reasons.

The above-mentioned values, in particular an operating pressure of 25 mbar or less, possibly even 30 mbar or less, and a burst pressure corresponding to a positive pressure of 60 mbar have proven particularly suitable.

The cover device can preferably be designed such that: if the burst pressure is exceeded, the lid is lifted from the wall.

According to the present invention, there can be further provided: a bursting ring is used between the peripheral edge region of the lid and the wall of the container, which ring releases the gas-tight connection between the lid and the wall when a bursting pressure is reached.

The fact that the gastight container additionally has a bursting ring means that provision can be made in a defined manner to release the gastight connection between the lid and the wall from this bursting pressure. Here, there may be provided: blow off the blasting ring. Preferably, the blasting ring is designed such that: from a defined burst pressure, the burst ring opens a connection from the receiving chamber to the outside, preferably at least partially annularly (in particular in a symmetrical manner), preferably completely annularly, with respect to the wall, so that a positive pressure can be released from the receiving chamber to the outside.

It is advantageous to design the bursting ring such that: in case the burst pressure is reached, the lid is lifted from the wall. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide: the connection between the burst ring and the cover and/or between the burst ring and the wall is partially or completely released.

According to the present invention, there can be further provided: the peripheral edge region of the lid is provided with a lower flange ring on the bottom side and/or an upper flange ring on the top side.

The use of a lower and/or upper flange ring has proven to be particularly suitable for reinforcing the lid in the edge region and for connecting the edge region to the wall in a stable and gas-tight manner.

In the structural configuration of the present invention, there may be provided: the peripheral edge region of the lid is fixed in a force-fitting manner between the lower and upper flanged rings.

It has proven particularly suitable for the peripheral edge region of the lid to be clamped in a force-fitting manner between the lower and upper flange rings. For this purpose, a threaded connection may preferably be provided. In this way, a particularly stable and also releasable connection between the two flange rings and the cover can be produced.

According to the present invention, there can be provided: the lower flange ring is connected to the burst ring and the burst ring is connected to the wall of the vessel.

The inventors have realised that: since the lower flange ring is connected to the burst ring and the burst ring is connected to the wall of the container, the release of the connection between the wall and the cover can be achieved particularly advantageously. Here, by a suitable design or arrangement of the burst ring, a connection between the burst ring release wall and the lower flange ring and thus the lid can be released. This may be achieved, for example, by lifting the blast ring from the wall, or breaking a connection provided at the blast ring. This may also be achieved additionally or alternatively by: the connection between the burst ring and the lower flange ring is released, for example by lifting the lid, or in another way (for example by breaking).

Preferably, the connection between the flange ring and the burst ring, or the connection between the burst ring and the wall, is released in an at least partially, preferably completely, annularly encircling manner.

According to the present invention, there can be further provided: at least a major part of the flat metal panel and/or the flat metal plate of the lid has a thickness of 0.2mm to 5mm, preferably 0.3mm to 2mm, more preferably 0.4mm to 1.5mm, particularly preferably 0.5mm to 1.2mm, very particularly preferably 0.6mm to 1.2mm, in particular 1 mm.

The above values have proven particularly suitable for providing a lightweight, flexible lid. Such a cover is also referred to as a membrane cover.

Such a lid allows free access across containers up to 50m in diameter. Here, the cover can withstand snow loads and strong winds without requiring supports or struts in the receiving chamber for supporting the cover. The lids obtained from such metal panels are particularly suitable for use in airtight containers, in particular also for storage containers of fermentation residues.

The metal panels or plates are preferably welded, wherein a cover formed by the metal panels or plates welded to one another is particularly suitable.

It has been shown that: lids that are round or circular as seen in plan view are particularly suitable for closing airtight containers. It is therefore particularly suitable if the wall of the gas-tight container is likewise of circular form or if the wall is a cylindrical wall.

Furthermore, it has proven to be particularly suitable if the cover is in the form of a flat top cover.

It is advantageous if the cover is wound on a drum or roll after the metal panels or plates have been welded to each other and transported to the construction site in this wound state. Then, at the construction site, the cover can be unfolded again at the top side of the wall and connected thereto in an airtight manner in the manner already described.

Covers consisting of the above-mentioned metal panels or plates, in particular covers made of high-grade steel, have the following advantages: the cover is corrosion resistant, impermeable with respect to gas diffusion and insensitive to UV radiation. The lid can be used for any container, preferably for metal containers (in particular steel containers), and also for concrete containers, and for metal-reinforced concrete containers (in particular steel-reinforced concrete containers). The wall on the upper end of which the cover is mounted may be formed of any material, preferably metal (in particular steel), concrete, metal-reinforced concrete (in particular steel-reinforced concrete), or the wall may have one of these materials as a main component.

The cover may preferably be completely prefabricated in the production plant and mounted on the construction site at a later stage. In a preferred embodiment, the field welding work can be dispensed with, in particular if a force-fitting connection is provided between the wall and the cover.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a glass having a thickness of 100m³To 50000m³Preferably 1000m³To 10000m³Particularly preferably 2000m³To 8000m³Of the receiving chamber.

The inventors have realized that the solution according to the invention is particularly suitable for receiving chambers having the above-mentioned volumes.

The height of the airtight container may preferably be 2m to 50m, and the width or diameter may preferably be 4m to 50 m.

The gas-tight container may be provided in particular for sewage plant gas, landfill gas or biogas.

It is particularly advantageous if the support structure is in the form of a conical roof and/or in the form of a skeleton structure.

It has proved to be particularly suitable for the support structure (to which the suspension device is then also fixed) to be formed as a conical roof and/or as a skeleton structure. In this way, a construction is selected which on the one hand can accommodate large forces and on the other hand can be realized in a reliable and process-safe manner by known measures.

In particular, it is possible to provide: the conical roof or the supporting structure of the skeleton structure is correspondingly fixed to the wall, preferably to the top side of the wall, so that forces can be introduced directly into the wall and dissipated from the wall down to the base on which the wall stands.

It is advantageous if the support structure itself is not of a gastight design.

In principle, the supporting structure, that is to say for example the conical roof and/or the skeleton structure, can likewise be in a gastight manner. However, this greatly increases the construction cost, and since the cover is formed in an airtight manner, it is not necessary in the present case.

As an alternative to the configuration of the support structure (such as a conical roof and/or such as a skeleton structure), it is also possible according to the invention to provide: the support structure is formed by horizontally extending rods. Here, the bar is preferably fastened to or placed on the top side of the wall.

However, it has proven to be advantageous to form the support structure as a conical roof and/or skeleton structure, in particular to be able to secure the suspension device above the cover in a stable manner.

It is also advantageous here if the support structure has a walking platform, which is preferably also arranged above the suspension device. In this way, the operation of the suspension device may be facilitated.

According to the present invention, there can be further provided: the suspension device is arranged centrally above the lid, preferably coaxially with respect to a vertically extending central axis of the container.

The arrangement of the suspension device centrally above the cover has proved to be particularly suitable for being able to support the cover upwards in the direction of the supporting structure. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the cover is supported predominantly upward in the central region. Here, the particularly symmetrical arrangement of the suspension device proves to be able to introduce the forces into the cover in as uniform a manner as possible.

The suspension device may be directly fixed to the cover. However, it is advantageous if the suspension device is fixed to the flange ring, or the ring segment, or the fastening element, or the fastening plate (the flange ring, or the ring segment, or the fastening element, or the fastening plate itself, in turn, is fixed to the cover). It is particularly advantageous if the flange ring has a diameter which corresponds approximately to the diameter of the suspension device.

It is advantageous if the suspension device is fixed to the fastening point of the cover and if the fastening point is at a distance from the centre point of the cover which is less than 70% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover, preferably less than 60% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover, more preferably less than 50% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover, particularly preferably less than 40% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover, and very particularly preferably less than 30% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover.

The above-described method of fixing the suspension device to the cover has proved to be particularly suitable for supporting the cover upwards. Here, it is particularly preferred if the suspension device is arranged symmetrically or centrally around a center point of the cover.

In this case, the fastening points of the cover to which the suspension device is fixed may also be formed on a fastening ring, a flange ring of a fastening plate, or a ring segment, which is fixed to the cover.

According to the present invention, there can be further provided: the suspension device has a plurality of chains. Here, the chain may be fixed to the cover directly or through one of the above-mentioned connecting elements, so as to support the cover upwards in the direction of the supporting structure.

It has proved to be particularly suitable for the suspension device to have a plurality of chains which are fixed directly or via connecting elements, such as the above-mentioned flange rings, to the cover. Here too, there may be provided: the suspension device is designed to raise and lower the lid within a limited stroke. For this purpose, for example, a setting device, for example in the form of a threaded rod, can be provided, which allows the suspension device to be loosened or retightened in order for the cover to travel or be supported in the direction of the bearing structure to be set.

It is particularly suitable here if the threaded rods each interact with a chain of a suspension device or another suspension member.

According to the present invention, there can be provided: an agitator is disposed in the receiving chamber.

It has proven to be particularly suitable if the stirrer is introduced from above or from the side (as is shown, for example, in DE 19954904a 1).

In principle, it is also possible to provide more than one stirrer in the receiving chamber.

In view of providing for the introduction of the stirrer from above, it is advantageous if the lid has a stirrer lead-through (leadthrough), which preferably extends coaxially with respect to the vertical central axis of the vessel.

Here, the stirrer guide may be provided with a seal such that the stirrer guide terminates in an airtight manner with respect to the stirrer.

The stirrer can be designed in a manner known per se.

It may be particularly suitable if the stirrer or the shaft of the stirrer extends from above over at least 50% of the height of the receiving chamber. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to arrange blades at regular or irregular intervals on the shaft of the stirrer, by means of which blades the material (in particular organic substances) introduced into the receiving chamber can be moved. Preferably, the blades may be folded or correspondingly flexible, so that the radius of the blades may be reduced for the purpose of mounting or dismounting the beater.

It is advantageous for the gastight container to have a heating device in the wall.

It may further be suitable, in particular if the gas-tight container is used as a bioreactor or fermenter, if the walls are insulated. Preferably, the roof apparatus is also insulated.

Preferably, the gas-tight container (in particular the receiving chamber of the gas-tight container) is connected to the gas reservoir through a gas outlet.

The receiving chamber may also have further elements, for example of the type described in DE 19954904a 1. For example, reference should be made to a filling connector for introducing fresh organic matter into a receiving chamber, which in this case may also be referred to as a fermentation chamber.

The gas-tight container according to the invention, in particular in a configuration such as a fermenter or biogas reactor, can also be designed as a combination of a digester and a gas reservoir. In this case, the gas reservoir may be positioned above the lid, preferably so as to be located within the support structure, especially if the support structure is in the form of a conical roof and/or a skeletal structure.

However, the solution according to the invention is particularly suitable if the gas reservoir is positioned outside the gas-tight container and is connected to the gas outlet of the gas-tight container by a pipe.

According to the present invention, there can be provided: the lid has at least one outer lid ring with an inner opening, and the lid also has an inner lid disc closing the inner opening of the outer lid ring in a gastight manner.

The above-described solution provides a particularly suitable configuration for ensuring the possibility of accessing the receiving chamber without having to remove the entire cover again. In this way, for example, a so-called "manhole" may be provided. For accessing the receiving chamber, for example for introducing or removing a stirrer, it is sufficient to disassemble the inner cover disk. By doing so, the inner opening of the outer cover ring is opened, which is preferably dimensioned such that the stirrer can be introduced into the receiving chamber and can be removed from the receiving chamber again.

Here, the inner dial may have a stirrer guide for the stirrer.

If the stirrer is introduced laterally into the receiving chamber, the stirrer leadthrough in the inner cover disk can be omitted.

In a particularly advantageous configuration of the invention, it is possible to provide: the inner cup has holes through which screws can be inserted for the purpose of screwing the cup to the outer cover ring. Here, there may be provided: on the inner side of the cover disk facing the receiving chamber, screw heads after passage through the passages are in each case welded to the cover disk to ensure that the cover disk remains fixed.

The invention also relates to a device for obtaining gaseous energy from organic matter, in particular a biogas reactor, the device or the biogas reactor having a gas-tight container with one or more of the above-mentioned features.

The possible configurations of such a device for obtaining gaseous energy, which device has an airtight container, and also its advantages, emerge from the above statements, and also emerge from the following statements, respectively.

The figures each show a preferred exemplary embodiment, in which the individual features of the invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of the exemplary embodiments may also be implemented separately from other features of the same exemplary embodiment and those skilled in the art may correspondingly combine the features of the other exemplary embodiments to form further meaningful combinations.

In the drawings, in each case schematically:

figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a gastight vessel according to the invention;

fig. 2 shows a detailed illustration of a cross section of a capping device of a gastight container according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a lid of the gas-tight container in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a lid of the gas-tight container in the second embodiment;

figure 5 shows a representation of a possible connection between the cover and the wall in the first embodiment; and

fig. 6 shows a diagrammatic representation of a possible connection between the cover and the wall in a second embodiment, in which a burst ring is used.

The exemplary embodiment in fig. 1 to 6 shows a gastight container 1 which can in principle be adapted to various applications. The gas-tight container 1 can be used in particular for the storage of solid, liquid and gaseous media, in particular also for the storage of organic substances.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided: the gas-tight vessel 1 is designed as a fermenter or a so-called biogas reactor. Here, the gas-tight container 1 may be part of a device for obtaining gaseous energy from organic matter. The apparatus may additionally have further devices, such as a gas reservoir. In the following exemplary embodiments, the airtight container 1 is shown only to the extent necessary to explain the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment (in which the gas-tight container 1 is designed as a fermenter), in particular: the gas-tight vessel has further elements such as gas outlets, heating devices, feed openings for introducing organic substances, etc., as is known, for example, from DE 19954904a1 or DE19756485A, the respective contents of which are fully incorporated by reference into the present description.

In particular also with regard to the construction of the wall 4 of the container 1 (as described in more detail below) it is possible to use the features from the two documents mentioned above.

It is to be noted that, although the airtight container 1 in the present exemplary embodiment is preferably designed as a fermenter, the exemplary embodiment should not be construed as being limited thereto.

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment, the gastight container 1 has a receiving chamber 2, a base 3, a peripheral wall 4 and a cover device 5.

In the exemplary embodiment, the receiving chamber 2 is enclosed in a gas-tight manner by the base 3, the wall 4 and the cover device 5. The receiving chamber 2 can be designed here in particular as a fermentation chamber, in particular for receiving organic material.

The wall 4 may be formed of any material, for example of metal, concrete or metal-reinforced concrete, in particular of steel or steel-reinforced concrete, or comprise the above-mentioned materials as main components. Preferably, the wall 4 is formed by sheet metal strips welded to each other. A double fold system, such as that used by Lipp GmbH Tannhausen, may also be provided to form the wall from sheet metal.

The base 3 may be formed in any manner, the base 3 preferably being formed from steel plate and/or by concrete.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving chamber 2 may have a length of 100m³To 50000m³Preferably 1000m³To 10000m³Particularly preferably 2000m³To 8000m³The volume of (a).

Furthermore, it is particularly suitable for the present invention if the airtight container 1 has a height of 2m to 50m and a width of 4m to 50 m.

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment, the roof structure 5 has an airtight cover 8 which is formed by a flat metal panel 6 and/or a metal plate 7. In principle, it is possible that the cover 8 is produced from the metal panel 6, or the metal plate 7, or a combination of the metal panel 6 and the metal plate 7. In an exemplary embodiment, fig. 3 shows a plan view of a cover 8 formed from a metal panel 6, while fig. 4 shows a plan view of a cover 8 formed from a metal plate 7.

As far as reference is made in the exemplary embodiment to the design of the cover 8 formed by the metal panel 6 or the metal plate 7, the following should be understood: in each case, other designs may alternatively be selected.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4, there is provided: the metal plate 7 is designed as a metal ring, which will be shown in more detail later.

The cover 8 is fixed to the top side of the wall 4 and is connected to the wall 4 in a gastight manner.

Here, in an exemplary embodiment, there is provided: the cover 8 is connected in an airtight manner to the wall 4 at its peripheral edge region.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is also provided: at least the major part of the flat metal panel 6, and/or the flat metal plate 7 of the cover 8 has a thickness of 0.2mm to 5mm, preferably 0.3mm to 2mm, more preferably 0.4mm to 1.5mm, particularly preferably 0.5mm to 1.2mm, and very particularly preferably 0.6mm to 1.2mm, particularly 1 mm.

The metal panel 6 in the form of a thin and flat metal panel results in a lightweight cover, a so-called membrane structure, which enables the cover 8 to span even larger diameters freely or in a self-supporting manner, that is to say without further support below the cover 8. The cover 8 can still accommodate high loads.

The particular advantage of the cover 8 formed in this way is also: the cover may be wound onto a drum or roller and then unrolled again on site (i.e. at the construction site) and attached to the wall 4. Here, the wall 4 may in particular be constructed or formed from the materials already mentioned above (metal, in particular steel, concrete, metal-reinforced concrete (in particular steel-reinforced concrete)).

In an exemplary embodiment, the flat metal panel 6 or metal plate 7 is preferably formed of high grade steel.

As can be seen from fig. 1 and 2, above the cover 8, the roof device 5 has a support structure 9 and a suspension device 10. Here, the suspension device 10 is fixed to the cover 8 and the support structure 9. The suspension device 10 is designed to support the cover 8 upwards in the direction of the supporting structure 9. As can be seen from fig. 1 and 2, the cover 8 is supported upwards by a suspension device 10, so that the cover 8 is convexly curved upwards, that is to say in the direction of the supporting structure 9.

In the exemplary embodiment, the support structure 9 is in the form of a conical roof and/or in the form of a skeleton structure. For this purpose, the support structure 9 has, for example, a rafter 11, which is preferably fixed to the top side of the wall 4, so that gravity can be introduced into the wall 4.

The bearing structure 9 is important in that it is designed as a bearing element of the gastight container 1, that is to say the bearing structure 9 of the cover device 5 can accommodate gravity, in particular also so that the cover 8 can be supported upwards by the suspension device 10.

As can be seen from fig. 1 and 2, the support structure 9 has a platform 12. Here, the platform 12 is preferably arranged in the region of the tip or upper end of the gas-tight container 1 or of the tip of the cap device 5. Preferably, the horizontal extent of the platform 12 relative to the roof device 5 is located in the center of the roof device 5. The platform 12 may function, inter alia, to maintain and operate the suspension arrangement 10. The platform 12 may additionally be used for mounting, dismounting, maintenance and operation of the beater 13 (the beater is optionally arranged at this location).

In the exemplary embodiment, agitator 13 is also supported by support structure 9. The stirrer 13 is in principle known from the prior art for gas-tight containers, in particular for fermenters. In this connection, reference is made, for example, to DE 19954904a1, which discloses a stirrer introduced laterally into the receiving chamber 2.

In the context of the present exemplary embodiment, in addition to the stirrer 13 as shown in fig. 1 and 2, alternative stirrers for lateral introduction into the receiving chamber 2 are also possible.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided: the stirrer 13 extends from the roof device 5 into the receiving chamber 2, in the exemplary embodiment from above the platform 12 into the receiving chamber 2. Here, the stirrer 13 preferably extends along a central axis of the vessel 1 (which central axis extends in a vertical direction), preferably coaxially with respect to a vertically extending central axis of the vessel 1.

The stirrer 13 may have a motor in a known manner, for which no more detailed description is given. In this exemplary embodiment, there is also provided: the stirrer 13 has one or more blades 14 to agitate or move the material, preferably organic matter, introduced into the receiving chamber 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the blades 14 are preferably foldable so that the agitator can be removed through a corresponding opening in the capping device 5.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided: the lid 8 has a stirrer guide 15 which preferably extends coaxially with respect to the vertical central axis of the vessel 1. The stirrer conducting portion 15 is shown by way of example in fig. 3 and 4. The stirrer guide-through 15 has a seal (not shown in more detail) so that the stirrer guide-through 15 ends in a gas-tight manner with respect to the stirrer 13 or its shaft.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided: the support structure 9 itself is not of a gastight design. However, this is possible in principle.

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment, the suspension device 10 is arranged centrally above the lid 8, preferably coaxially above the lid with respect to a vertically extending central axis of the container 1. The suspension device 10 is designed to lift the cover 8 within a defined stroke and possibly lower the cover 8 again.

The suspension device 10 is provided in particular to support the cover 8 upwards, so that a wobbling of the cover 8, for example due to pressure variations in the receiving chamber 2, is avoided.

In principle, the suspension device 10 may be of any configuration and act at any point of the cover 8. The exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to a particular configuration. However, it has proved to be particularly suitable for fixing the suspension device 10 to the fastening point 18 of the cover 8, and particularly suitable for the distance of the fastening point 18 from the center point of the cover 8 to the edge of the cover 8 being less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, more preferably less than 50%, particularly preferably less than 40%, and very particularly preferably less than 30% of the distance of the center point of the cover from the edge of the cover.

The suspension device 10 preferably acts in the inner circle of the lid 8 and supports the lid upwards, resulting in a particularly suitable support of the lid 8, by means of which support "rattling" of the lid 8 is reliably avoided.

The suspension device 10 may have a device (not shown in more detail) for varying the stroke of the lifting cap 8. For this purpose, for example, threaded rods can be provided which are rotated in a suitable manner in order to shorten or lengthen the vertical length of the suspension device 10, and thus to raise or lower the cover 8.

As can be seen from fig. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment there is (optionally) provided: the suspension device 10 has a plurality of chains 16 which are fixed to the cover 8, directly or by means of connecting elements, so as to support the cover 8 upwards in the direction of the supporting structure.

For this purpose, the use of a chain 16 has proved to be particularly suitable, in particular also in combination with threaded rods (not shown in greater detail) by means of which the chain 16 can be raised or lowered further.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 to 3, there is provided: the cover 8 is provided with a fastening ring 17 on which the suspension device 10 acts. Preferably, the fastening ring 17 has here a plurality of fastening points 18 to which the suspension device 10 (preferably the chain 16) can be fixed, said fastening points preferably being arranged evenly spaced apart from each other. While such a configuration has proven particularly suitable, such a configuration is optional in the context of the exemplary embodiments. The fastening ring 17 can be fixed in a gastight manner to the cover 8 formed by the metal panel 6 (or the metal plate 7) by known measures, for which purpose a corresponding seal (not shown in more detail) can also be provided.

Fig. 4 shows the design of the lid 8, which is an alternative to the design in fig. 3. Here, there are provided: the lid 8 has an outer lid ring 19 with an inner opening 20. The lid 8 also has an inner lid disc 21 which closes the inner opening 20 of the outer lid ring 19 in a gas-tight manner. Here, however, in the exemplary embodiment, the stirrer lead-through 15 remains, which is closed in a gastight manner only after the insertion of the stirrer 13.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4, the inner opening 20 of the outer cover ring 19 is shown by dashed lines, since in the shown view the inner opening is hidden by the inner cover disc 21. The inner lid disc 21 is connected to the outer lid ring 19 in a gastight manner, for which purpose a corresponding seal can be used. In principle, the inner cup 21 will be welded to the outer cup ring 19. However, in an exemplary embodiment, a threaded connection is provided. The design shown in fig. 4 has the advantage that: if the stirrer 13 is intended to be removed from the receiving chamber 2, it is not necessary to dismount the entire cover 8, but it is sufficient to dismount the inner cover disc 21 from the outer cover ring 19. Thereby exposing the inner opening 20 of the outer cover ring 19 so that the agitator 13 can be removed. Here, the inner opening 20 may also be in the form of a so-called manhole cover, in order to generally provide access to the receiving chamber 2.

The inner cover disk 21 may have holes through which screws 22 are inserted. Here, there may be provided: the screw heads of the screws 22 are fixedly (captively) welded to the inner cover disc 21. By means of screws 22, the inner cover disk can be connected particularly advantageously to the outer cover ring 19.

Fig. 4 also shows fastening points 18 at which the suspension arrangement 10, in particular the chain 16 of the suspension arrangement 10, can function.

In principle, the cover 8 shown in fig. 4 can also have a plurality of cover rings. This is shown by the dotted line in fig. 4.

Fig. 4 also shows holes in the outer edge region of the cover 8 or of the outer cover ring 19, which serve to fix the cover 8 to the wall 4. For this purpose, screws 27 (shown in more detail later) may preferably be used. The cover 8 shown in fig. 3 also has a corresponding hole 23.

Fig. 4 shows a suitable possibility of fixing the cover 8 to the top side of the wall 4. For this purpose, it is provided: the peripheral edge region of the lid 8 is provided with a lower flange ring 24 on its underside and an upper flange ring 25 on the top side. Here, the flange rings 24, 25 can preferably be screwed to one another. Other force-fitting connections and/or material-bonding connections (e.g., welded connections) are also possible. However, a threaded connection has proved to be particularly suitable, in particular in order to avoid the need for local welding at the construction site and in particular in order to make it possible to remove the cover 8 again. A seal 26 may be provided between the underside of the lid 8 and the lower flanged ring 24 to form an airtight connection at this location.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, there is further provided: lower flanged ring 24 is preferably screwed to wall 4. At this location, another force-fit connection or material-bonded connection (e.g., a welded connection) may also be provided. However, a threaded connection is also particularly suitable in this position. Furthermore, a seal 26 can be provided, which can be arranged between the lower flange ring 24 and the wall 4, in order to create an air-tight connection also at this location.

The screw for producing the threaded connection is provided with reference number 27 in fig. 5.

In order to connect the lower flanged ring 24 to the wall 4, it may be provided: the screws 27 are screwed through the wall 4, which is particularly suitable for walls 4 composed of metal, in particular steel. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide: only screws 27 are screwed into the wall 4, which is particularly suitable for walls 4 consisting of concrete or metal-reinforced concrete, in particular steel-reinforced concrete.

The container 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment is not limited to the embodiment of the connection between the lid 8 and the wall 4 shown in fig. 5, but such an embodiment has proved to be particularly suitable.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is (optionally) provided: the roof device 5 is designed such that: the gas-tight connection between the wall 4 and the cover 8 is released if the pressure in the receiving chamber 2 exceeds a defined burst pressure, which corresponds to a positive pressure of 100 mbar, particularly preferably 80 mbar, and very particularly preferably 60 mbar.

This configuration has proven suitable for security reasons. Here, different measures can be taken to ensure that the airtight connection between the wall 4 and the cover 8 is released if the pressure in the receiving chamber 2 exceeds a defined burst pressure.

If a bursting ring 28 is used between the lid 8 and the wall 4 of the container 1, it is particularly advantageous to release the releasable connection between the lid 8 and the wall 4, which bursting ring releases the gas-tight connection between the lid 8 and the wall 4 in the event of a bursting pressure being reached.

In principle, the bursting ring 28 can be used at any suitable location of the roof device 5, in particular such that the bursting ring 28 is located between the cover 8 and the wall 4. A particularly advantageous design is shown in fig. 6, to which exemplary embodiments are not bound.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig. 6, there is provided: the lower flange ring 24 is connected to a burst ring 28. Further, there is provided: the burst ring 28 is connected to the wall 4 of the gastight container 1.

In order to connect the burst ring 28 to the lower flange ring 24 or the wall 4, a threaded connection is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 6. For example, the screw 27 may be used for a threaded connection.

Alternatively, another force fit connection or material bond connection (e.g., a welded connection) may also be provided. However, a screw connection has proven particularly suitable, in particular for the purpose of connecting it, which can also be released again.

In order to connect the bursting ring 28 to the wall 4, it can be provided that the screw 27 is screwed through the wall 4, which is particularly suitable for a wall 4 consisting of metal, in particular steel. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide: the screws 27 are screwed only into the wall 4, which is particularly suitable for walls 4 consisting of concrete or metal-reinforced concrete, in particular steel-reinforced concrete.

The blast ring 28 may be formed such that: if the burst pressure is exceeded, the connection between the burst ring 28 and the wall 4 and/or the connection between the burst ring 28 and the lower flange ring 24 is released. Further, there may be provided: if the burst pressure is exceeded, the burst ring 28 is destroyed.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 6, an upper flange ring 25 is further shown, which is suitable in principle for producing a stable connection, although this is in principle optional in the context of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 6. In fig. 6, there is provided: a seal 26 is used at the connection location in order to close the receiving chamber 2 in a gastight manner.

The flange rings 24, 25 are preferably in the form of a U-shaped profile when viewed in cross-section.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided: the peripheral edge region of the cover 8 is fixed in a force-fitting manner between the lower flange ring 24 and the upper flange ring 25, i.e. clamped between them, in order to produce a gas-tight connection.

The exemplary embodiments shown by way of example in fig. 5 and 6 apply to a wall 4 composed of any material, preferably to a wall 4 composed of metal, in particular a wall 4 composed of steel, concrete, metal-reinforced concrete (in particular steel-reinforced concrete). In particular, the cover 8 can be mounted at a later stage (on site) onto an already existing wall 4. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention also allows retrofitting already existing containers with new lids 8 or over-lid devices 5 at a later stage.

Claims

1. A gas-tight container (1), in particular a silo for storing organic substances, having a receiving chamber (2), having a base (3), having a peripheral wall (4), and having a cover device (5), wherein the cover device (5) has a gas-tight cover (8) which is formed by a flat metal panel (6) and/or a flat metal plate (7),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the roof device (5) has a support structure (9) which is arranged above the cover (8) and has a suspension device (10), wherein the suspension device (10) is fixed to the cover (8) and to the support structure (9) and the suspension device (10) is designed to support the cover (8) upwards in the direction of the support structure (9).

2. Hermetic container (1) according to claim 1,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the suspension device (10) supports the cover (8) upwardly such that the cover (8) is convexly curved upwardly.

3. Hermetic container (1) according to claim 1 or 2,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the cover (8) is of self-supporting design.

4. Hermetic container (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the cover (8) is connected to the wall (4) in an airtight manner at its peripheral edge region.

5. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the cover device (5) is designed such that: the gas-tight connection between the wall (4) and the cover (8) is released if the pressure in the receiving chamber (2) exceeds a defined burst pressure, wherein the burst pressure corresponds to a positive pressure of 100 mbar, particularly preferably 80 mbar, and very particularly preferably 60 mbar.

6. Hermetic container (1) according to claim 5,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a bursting ring (28) is used between a peripheral edge region of the lid (8) and the wall (4) of the container (1), said bursting ring releasing the gas-tight connection between the lid (8) and the wall (4) when the bursting pressure is reached.

7. Airtight container (1) according to claim 4, 5 or 6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the peripheral edge region of the cover (8) is provided with a lower flange ring (24) on the bottom side and/or with an upper flange ring (25) on the top side.

8. Hermetic container (1) according to claim 7,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the peripheral edge region of the cover (8) is fixed in a force-fitting manner between the lower and upper flanged rings (24, 25).

9. Hermetic container (1) according to claim 7 or 8,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the lower flange ring (24) is connected to the bursting ring (28), and the bursting ring (28) is connected to the wall (4) of the container (1).

10. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least a majority of the flat metal panel (6) and/or the metal sheet (7) of the cover (8) has a thickness of 0.2mm to 5mm, preferably 0.3mm to 2mm, more preferably 0.4mm to 1.5mm, particularly preferably 0.5mm to 1.2mm, and very particularly preferably 0.6mm to 1.2mm, particularly 1 mm.

11. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the flat metal panel (6) and/or the flat metal plate (7) of the cover (8) is formed of high grade steel.

12. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the receiving chamber (2) has a length of 100m³To 50000m³Preferably 1000m³To 10000m³Particularly preferably 2000m³To 8000m³The volume of (a).

13. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the support structure (9) is in the form of a conical roof and/or in the form of a skeleton structure.

14. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the support structure (9) is formed by a horizontally extending strip.

15. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the support structure (9) is not of gas-tight design per se.

16. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the suspension device (10) is arranged centrally above the lid (8), preferably coaxially centrally above the lid with respect to a vertically extending central axis of the container (1).

17. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the suspension device (10) is fixed to a fastening point (18) of the cover (8), and the fastening point (18) is at a distance from a centre point of the cover (8) which is less than 70% of the distance of the centre point of the cover (8) from an edge of the cover (8), preferably less than 60% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover, more preferably less than 50% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover, particularly preferably less than 40% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover, and very particularly preferably less than 30% of the distance of the centre point of the cover from the edge of the cover.

18. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the suspension device (10) has a plurality of chains (16) which are fixed to the cover (8) directly or by means of fastening elements, preferably by means of fastening rings (17), in order to support the cover (8) upwards in the direction of the support structure (9).

19. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the suspension device (10) is designed to lift and lower the cover (8) within a defined stroke.

20. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

an agitator (13) is arranged within the receiving chamber (2) and the lid (8) has an agitator lead-through (15) which preferably extends coaxially with respect to a vertical central axis of the vessel (1).

21. Hermetic container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the lid (8) has at least one outer lid ring (19) with an inner opening (20), and the lid (8) has an inner lid disk (21) which closes the inner opening (20) of the outer lid ring (19) in a gas-tight manner.

22. Device for obtaining gaseous energy sources from organic matter, in particular biogas reactor, having a gastight vessel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21.