EP2954038A1

EP2954038A1 - Substrate decomposition for biogas plants in a mixing and combi-hydrolysis tank

Info

Publication number: EP2954038A1
Application number: EP13820741.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Norbert Rossow
Original assignee: Planungsbuero Rossow - Gesellschaft fur Erneuerbare Energien Mbh
Current assignee: Planungsbuero Rossow - Gesellschaft fur Erneuerbare Energien Mbh
Priority date: 2012-12-07
Filing date: 2013-12-09
Publication date: 2015-12-16
Also published as: US20220073847A1; CA2894508A1; CL2015001548A1; WO2014087024A1; BR112015013325A2; DE102012222589A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for optimising the acceptance, conditioning, hydrolysis, disintegration and methane enrichment of organic matter for feeding biogas fermenters or other processes for the treatment or conversion of organic substances, and also for improving viscosity, in which specifically required, technological or biological procedures are combined in one mixing and combi-hydrolysis tank. The device has one or more descending walls for separating the gas chamber in the top part of the tank, one descending wall of which separates the gas chamber of the tank opening from the other tank, and optionally a further descending wall, the lower end of which is permanently located above the lowest fluid level and which separates the gas chamber of the pump chamber from the other tank. The device optionally has an ultrasonic module for treating a recirculated material from an advanced fermentation stage or from the device according to claim 1, and also a gas supply system in the lower zones of the feed and/or pump chamber for hydrogenous gases, produced in the process or supplied externally, for stimulating methane formation by means of hydrogen-oxidising archaea.

Description

SUBSTRATE CIRCUIT FOR BIOGAS PLANTS IN A CONNECTION AND COMBI HYDROLYSIS CONTAINER

description

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for optimizing the acceptance, treatment and hydrolysis of organic substrate for the loading of Biogasfermentem or other processes of processing or conversion of organic substances, in which specifically necessary, technological or biological procedures in one Mixing and Kombihydrolysebehälter be summarized. Optionally, an additional ultrasound treatment can be carried out.

State of the art

The limited nature and scarcity of conventional energy sources conditional

Efforts to use alternatives. Renewable energies are increasingly in the center of attention. This also includes biogas production

Fermentation of organic biomass and animal excretions in biogas plants and further energy recovery. Since the provision and operation of these systems can usually not be achieved in a cost-effective manner without public funding and sensitization with regard to environmental aspects increases, the problematic is in the focus of social discourse. Steps for the technical and economical optimization of such plants as well as for resource-saving and environmentally compatible consumption are therefore necessary.

Process for the fermentation of excrements of animal origin, organic

Substrates or specially grown renewable raw materials in the fermenter or reactor for the generation of biogas with the intention of subsequent energy recovery have been in use for some time. The document DE 31 00 324 contains a device for converting biomass into energy by means of a gas-tight anaerobic fermentation chamber, which is filled via a feed line with biomass and has a gas outlet.

The document DE 195 38 579 describes a plant for biogas production from organic materials in a gas-tight reactor with manure inlet and outlet and biogas removal, agitator for mixing and apparatus for substrate heating. In the document DE 102005 054 323 are also extensive claims concerning a fermenter for the production of biogas from organic material, comprising the fermentation chamber for receiving fermentation material, provided with filling device, gas storage with gas sampling device, stirring device, calming space with overflow edge,

Pumping device u.a.m.

The latter document also refers to the different stages of the fermentation process. In the first step, the hydrolysis phase, carbohydrates are degraded to simple sugars, proteins to amino acids and fats to fatty acids. This is followed by an acid phase to form organic acids and lower alcohols, a phase of acetic acid formation and only then the phase of methane formation (methanogenesis). The distinction between these phases in the practical implementation of biogas technology is technically and biologically of great importance, since each specific strains of microorganisms are active, which - in terms of compatibility and optimal conditions of their action - quite special milieus in terms of acidity, temperature or aerobic sensitivity need or prefer.

In order to increase the gas yield and to stabilize its production, was therefore on the way of further development of biogas plants to go over, the

Separate the hydrolysis phase for material substrate conversion spatially from the other phases. Thus, in document WO 2011 138 426, a method and a plant for bi-or multi-stage biogas production in a hydrolysis and a methane level made public.

Initially, pre-pits were used for the initiation of hydrolysis. These were more than just a storage for the substrate. There excrements such as manure and manure, renewable raw materials, cofermentate, possibly biowaste and industrial and agricultural residues were effectively prepared for optimal fermentation in the fermenter or methane formation already initiated to some extent.

Since the pre-wells were mostly open, energy losses could occur and were mainly significant pollution by odor and gas emissions. The further development therefore went to the use of their own, upstream of the fermenter hydrolysis. The basic principle is that they are closed, gas-tight, equipped with an agitator and, more rarely, with a heating system, just like a fermenter.

Before the substrate can get into the hydrolysis, it is ready to be processed. The current state of the art is often to use take-up dosers for this purpose. These can usually store a daily ration of substrate. If necessary, certain Substrate types, eg Festmist to later problems of onward transport and

Homogenization to avoid, previously additionally by shredder, extruder or

To prepare hammer mill.

The dispensers are provided with mixing screws, push rod or scraper chains promotion and can thus fulfill the functions accept, storing, loosening, crushing, mixing, portioning or dosing for further processing.

From the discharge point of the dosing the fermentation can be promoted by means of screw conveyors to the hydrolysis.

Currently, this task is also occasionally solved by means of liquefaction of the substrate under development by recirculation of fermenter content by pumping. About shut-off and control devices, the transport of liquid media in all desired amounts and directions is possible.

WO 2006/124781 describes a multi-stage fermenter having at least three associated chambers which are sequentially passed through an organic waste substrate (e.g., wastewater purification sludge) in a sequence of upflow and downflow. The hydrolysis step is part of the fermenter, while any mechanical pretreatment of the organic substrates takes place outside the fermenter.

In the document US3054602 a - the above-mentioned segmented fermenter is described, however, for the aerobic bacterial wastewater treatment without the formation of usable biogas. Hydrolysis under oxygen atmosphere takes place in a sequence of upflow and downflow, followed by further aerated (and hence aerobic) degradation processes.

The document DE 3810250 deals as the previously mentioned with a

Method and device for the preparation of liquid substrates with high organic load. Here you will find under anaerobic conditions hydrolysis and

Methane formation in the upflow and downflow in a common, subdivided by a series of vertical subsidence and stand walls, fermenter instead.

The two-stage anaerobic product described in WO 2008/099227

Method for producing biogas from biomass also uses a device with a sequence of vertical countersink and stand walls for subdivision into three (or more) chambers. Also in this case, a series of upflow and downflow of the liquid is generated. The behavior of the liquid is supported by the injection of biogas. An explicit hydrolysis chamber is not named according to the invention. In the patent application DE 1301599 a device for stirring, homogenizing and dispensing of viscous media is described, characterized in that special cutting pumps are used in a pump sump. In particular, manure and solid manure are to be treated in such a way that these substances can be removed from pits.

The fermenter made public in the publication DE 102009021015 serves to produce biogas from biomass according to the principle of solid methamation. The percolation process described there dispenses with an explicit device for hydrolysis. The solid is sprayed with separated liquid but not stirred.

The dry fermenter described in the published patent application DE 102006047828 is likewise operated in the percolation process and has no internals or agitators. The biomass is discharged via an inclined plane in the direction of discharge. A separate chamber for hydrolysis processes is not part of the process.

A variant of an aerobic hydrolysis device as part of an anaerobic digestion process is also shown in the published patent application US 2010/0032370. The open hydrolysis chamber is structurally connected directly to the fermenter chamber, so that the substrate mixture located in the hydrolysis chamber passes directly via overflow via a sinking wall into the fermenter chamber. Hydrolysis gas that forms emerges from the chamber unused.

For biological wastewater treatment in the patent US 4325823 a method with spatially separated aerobic / anaerobic zones is described. While in the first chamber of the device is only mixed, the degradation of the organic cargo of the wastewater takes place in the second chamber. Solids can not be introduced. There is no targeted gas formation or use.

In the document DE 102010010294 a method for anaerobic

Fermentation of a flowable substrate described. The device described contains a plurality of successive standing and lowering walls between inlet and outlet. These are designed as flow plates, cause a change of upflow and downflow and thus form different reaction zones. A mixed and

Processing zone is not planned, also no explicitly named hydrolysis chamber. Object of the invention

The invention has for its object to simplify the process of accepting, processing and hydrolysis of organic substrate for the feeding of biogas digesters essential, to combine and to complete so far in several institutions in only one container.

Solution of the task

The object has been solved according to the features of the claims.

According to the invention, previously performed separately necessary technological or biological and physical procedures are summarized in a mixing, feeding, dosing, disintegration and Kombihydrolysebehälter and optimally tapped the energetic potential of the input materials used. The effort is thus reduced to a necessary minimum to the operation of

Making biogas plants more cost-effective and, moreover, making ongoing operation economically more effective.

For this purpose, a preferably elongated, lying container is used. It consists of concrete, steel, plastic or other suitable materials or material mixtures. For the inner walls, acid resistance must be ensured.

The container can be placed sunk. If it is carried out at ground level, it is provided with a starting ramp on one side or must be supplied with input by means of a lifting charging technology.

The container is as in Figure 1 as a floor plan and in Figure 2 as a section in

Substantially divided into a biomass feed chamber (1) and a pump chamber (2). Both chambers are insulated and heated. The upper conclusion of the

Biomass feed chamber has an elongated odor-inhibiting or gas-tight closable opening (3).

Through this opening, the feed of biomass by material handling equipment such as wheel loader or dump trucks this material from a driving surface next to the container or from the ramp through the container opening. Optionally, the container can also be filled via a Einspülschacht. This fills the Biomass feed chamber (1) with fresh substrate. The hydrolysis phase begins and is sustainably assisted by removing biologically active liquid preferably from the fermenter or from an external source by means of a feed pump (5) and from a dispensing system (6) installed in the chamber to the surface of the

Fresh material is abandoned. The flushing liquid moistens the substrate jet-shaped. Already wetted material is microbiologically and enzymatically active and is repeatedly soaked in fresh liquid medium, thus optimizing the hydrolysis processes. The liquid level increases, and all voids around and within the introduced substrate are filled. From a programmed fill level, it is possible to additionally treat the substrate by supporting the mixing by periodic use by means of an agitator (7) and successively by one

Homogenization takes place. When reaching a maximum value, the liquid supply is adjusted.

The pump chamber is connected by a sloping bottom (8) or a shoulder, via which the transfer of the mashed substrate takes place, with the feed chamber. An optionally height adjustable mobile lowering (9) ensures the retention of solid mass and causes mainly a gas side separation of both chambers. At the bottom of the pump chamber, a cutting pump (10) or a pipe leading to this pump is installed; the associated pump sump extends deeper than the rest of the container bottom, and the diving room is constantly filled with liquid.

Has the mixed in the container and largely already homogeneous material reached the required state of maturity with respect to the hydrolysis is sucked using this pump, the pretreated substrate batch by pump into the pump room and further refined by the cutting action of the pump in the consistency, homogenized and then fed to the other fermentation stages in the fermenter. Otherwise, the material from the pump room first or more times in the circuit

Feeding space used and then again a crushing and

Homogenization be supplied in the pump room.

In order to eliminate blockages and possibly occurred, unwanted Substratverklumpungen or -Verkrustungen and generally support the transport of settled material from the biomass feed chamber into the pump chamber, can with the

Feed pump, the biomass feed chamber are flushed with recirculation liquid under necessary pressure via a flushing port (11) and cleared. Overall, the pump room is used to store further processable substrate, the separation of the freshly introduced and still floating

Substrates, on-demand continuous feeding of the downstream plant and provision of a reserve for hydrolysis bacteria.

In the two chambers - which are either separated gas side or connected as needed - resulting biogas is fed via deductions (12) either by means of natural gas pressure from the gas phase in the central gas network of the biogas plant, specifically in the lower liquid zone of the feed chamber or, if necessary, fed into the pump chamber.

The previous control of gas production in the fermenter on the relatively accurate, but indirect means of weighing monitored dosage of biomass via loading containers / devices is now lysiergut through the direct control of the addition of hydro

Volumetric flow meters (13) in comparison with the current gas production from the

Biogas plant solved.

The inventive method and apparatus of the invention allow a combined feed, mixing, dosing and hydrolysis of biomass for use in a biogas plant or other biomass processing plants and processes in a single container. With the breakdown of this container in one

Biomassebeschickungsraum and a pump chamber, wherein the subdivision is effected by the arrangement of a lowering wall and whereby in the liquid-filled state, a complete separation of both chambers. Both container chambers are insulated and the pump chamber is preferably lowered by the obliquely downwardly extending container bottom relative to the loading space, so that the two chambers are gas-tight separable from each other. The delivered organic material is directly from the

Delivery vehicle, the delivery device / device in the loading chamber of

Combined container given. The biomass used is supplied by supplying biologically active liquid material, for example recirculate from advanced fermentation process steps (eg from the fermenter) by means of a pump, added via a pipe system of the charged biomass and thus mixed at the same time, suspended, mashed and the hydrolysis sustainable optimized. Beyond the hydrolysis, a homogenization and this is supported by:

flushed external fluid,

Mixing of the substrate in the feed chamber with container contents from the pump chamber,

one or more reprocessing of the material with the cutting pump in

Pump room,

Use of mechanical agitators,

optional use of ultrasound,

optionally feeding the hydrolysis gas or other hydrogen-containing gases into the lower liquid-filled zones of the feed chamber or the

Pump chamber.

In the bottom of the pump chamber impurities are deposited. Overall, the pump room is used for storing further processable substrate, the demand-based continuous feeding of the downstream system and the provision of a reserve for hydrolysis bacteria.

The gas spaces of both chambers can either be separated gas side or connected as needed and fed the biogas either by means of the natural gas pressure from the gas formation phase in the central gas network of the biogas plant or, if necessary, by fan in the liquid zone of feed or

Pump chamber are returned. The dosage of the biomass mixture from the combination tank in the subsequent process will depend on the current

Gas formation in the system made via volume flow control. The container opening in the ceiling of the mixing and Kombihydrolysebehälter is closed outside the feed times with an odor-inhibiting or gas-tight flap and the filling is optionally carried out via a Einspülschacht.

Optionally, an ultrasound module is integrated into the treatment and hydrolysis system for further optimization of the substance digestion. This ultrasound module is in the simultaneously filed German patent application with the file number

DE 102013225322.2 has been described in detail and is suitable for the treatment of any liquids. In a specific embodiment, it also finds application in combination with the mixing and Kombihydrololysebehälter invention. According to the invention, a multi-stage self-regulating ultrasonic disintegration system is provided, which is not installed between or not externally in a separate container, but compactly combines the necessary components and required elements in a system for direct attachment or installation to the mixing and Kombihydrololysebehälter without requiring a separate building or container placement.

The ultrasound module comprises the following elements:

• System of pipelines, which in some areas can also be square or rectangular

• Pipe elements, pipe shut-off elements, measuring equipment

• Test sockets with facilities for testing, measuring and backwashing

• Sonotrodes and integrated reflectors, liquid handling and

• Backwash device, brackets and feedthrough or connection devices

• at least one reversible pump with speed control

The ultrasound module promotes the medium to be disintegrated from the mixing and Kombihydrolysebehälter via pipe-like elements with an integrated

Conveyor. It is mounted on or in the mixing and combi hydrolysis tank. The liquid is conveyed via shut-off pipe elements, volume flow measuring devices and devices for receiving sensors and transducers and the conveyor in preferably vertical flow centric on integrated in the pipes sonotrodes.

The sonotrodes are coupled with matching reflectors, which are located at a suitable distance parallel to the probe centric in the media stream.

The system is designed so that the medium to be disintegrated from the mixing and Kombihydrolysebehälter is promoted to the disintegration probes.

The flow is one or more stages. Between the stages of disintegration, the effects of the individual can be achieved via integrated measuring sockets and sensors

Disintegration nozzle are determined. These may be the viscosity and or the

Temperature, electrical power consumption of the sonotrodes and the conveyor can be measured. Depending on the measurement or evaluation results, the system can activate further stages via the delivery device (preferably a pump) it is possible to increase the intensity (lower flow rate), reduce the intensity or cause backwashing.

The frequency and the number of sonotrodes can be adapted to the amount and intensity of the disintegration. The integrated conveyor or devices may perform an opposite direction of flow, e.g. backflushings

perform. If necessary, the conveyor may adapt the capacity to the needs / requirements (e.g., speed control).

The suction and Ausspülöffnungen be hedged against mutual interference by flow-conducting facilities or system-spatial arrangement.

The system is capable of being controlled by a system controller based on

Communication between the actuating and closing elements, the conveyor the measuring elements and the associated evaluation elements, the

Volume measuring device and the communication with a possibly existing subordinate control or the own control the effects and the function increase.

It is even possible to install this system - with the exception of the conveyor - within the liquid container. All o.g. Components and required elements are in a system for direct on or. Installation on mixing and combi hydrolysis tank combined, no separate building or container placement is necessary.

By its design, this ultrasound module is able to measure the effect of the sound directly through the integrated control, the intensity through

Volume flow control and or change the flow direction (different passage of the liquid to be treated over different number of sonotrodes) and adapt to the needs.

The self-cleaning of the system is by reversing or changing the flow direction and the possibility of increasing the volume flow as the

Dilution rate increase in the ratio 1: 10 possible and can be regular

prophylactically inserted into the public address program.

The system is with all standard sonotrodes for Inrohr- or

Anrohrinstallation (ie both sonotrodes integrated directly in the flow of liquid to be treated as well as on the pipe outer wall or in the pipe outer wall) can be equipped. Surprisingly, it has been found that the waveform according to the invention of the pipe guide of the ultrasound system on the one hand serves the hydraulic optimization of the system and on the other hand ensures the achievement of a compact design taking into account the space required for all components to be integrated. By varying the number of "waves", the system can different number of sonotrodes or

Include sound reinforcement areas and thus designed and built for different sound reinforcement.

The system can be installed on or in the mixing and Kombihydrolysebehälter, as a bypass system or as an inline system.

The advantages of the combination of the invention and mixing

Combihydrolysis tank with the ultrasonic module are u.a. in that the

Investment costs for an ultrasound module are reduced by about 50% compared to currently about costs in the amount of about 200T €. In addition, the operating costs are also considerably reduced by this system, since the direct connection to the mixing and Kombihydrolysebehälter reduce the transport paths by a multiple, and also can be installed aerodynamic and clog-proof.

In addition, the ultrasound module does not need a building-like enclosure, but it is sufficient for piping installations usual measures for insulation and weather protection.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the ultrasound module (14). In this example, the ultrasound module is attached to the outside of the container inner wall. FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the ultrasound module. It can be seen that the ultrasound treatment takes place directly in the substrate line - so no extra container is necessary - and the sonotrodes are either in or outside the substrate lines. Also visible are the measuring and flushing nozzles and the valves (pipe shut-off elements) as well as the pump (conveyor).

In Figure 3 is also shown that, if necessary, a second stage for

Ultrasonic treatment can be switched on. The waveform of the ultrasound module according to the invention is particularly clearly shown in FIG. List of reference numerals for the combined hydrolysis device

1 biomass feed chamber

2 pump chamber

3 container opening

4 sinking wall

5 feed pump

6 flushing system

7 agitator

8 sloping floor or heel

9 lowering wall

10 cutting pump

11 flushing connection

12 gas vent

13 volumetric flow meter

14 ultrasound module

15 Injection of Hydrolysis and Hydrogen Gas Symbols of Reference for the Ultrasonic Module (14):

1 container wall

2 fermentation substrate

3 substrate line

4 slides

5 reversible pump with speed control

6 sonotrode

7 measuring and flushing nozzles

8 support

Claims

claims

1. Device for combined charging, mixing, dosing, hydrolysis,

Disintegration, methane enrichment of biomass and for viscosity improvement for use in a biogas plant or other biomass processing plants and processes, comprising a container with a sloping bottom (8) or vertical paragraph and

a) a laterally offset to inner counterbore (9), which serves for gas separation of the two container parts and is characterized in that the lower end of the lowering wall (9) is always above the lowermost liquid level and so two constantly gas side separate chambers (1 and 2), one

Biomass feed chamber (1) and a pump chamber (2), present and / or

b) a lowering wall (4), characterized in that its lower end is always above the lowermost liquid level and thus separates the region of the container opening (3) from the gas space of the remaining container.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally has an installed in the upper region of the feed chamber Einspülsystem (6) for

Moisturizing a in the biomass feed chamber (1) located fresh material and that in addition one or more stirrers (7), a flushing port (11), at least one gas vent (12) and a gas return for a feed (15) into the pump chamber and / or feed chamber contains.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the

Biomass feed chamber (1) additionally has an odor-inhibiting or gas-tight closable opening (3) as the upper end.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at the bottom of the pump chamber, a cutting pump (10) is installed and the associated

Pump sump deeper than the rest of the container bottom. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it additionally comprises a multi-stage self-regulating ultrasonic module (14) for

Disintegration of recirculated substrate liquid has.

The ultrasound module (14) of claim 5, wherein the ultrasound module (14) comprises:

a) at least one substrate line

b) at least one conveyor

c) one or more sonotrodes

d) means for testing or measuring parameters of the liquid, e) means for connection to a container,

characterized in that the sonotrodes are located within the substrate line or on the outside of the substrate line.

Device with ultrasonic module (14) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized

characterized in that the ultrasound module (14), the substrate lines are arranged wave-shaped and as a conveyor with a reversible pump

Speed control is used.

Device with ultrasonic module (14) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the ultrasonic module (14) in addition to the sonotrodes still

Reflectors are present and that it contains a control unit that controls the pump based on measured parameters.

Method for combined charging, mixing, metering, hydrolysis, disintegration, methane enrichment of biomass and for viscosity improvement in a biogas plant or other biomass-processing plants and processes by means of the device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following steps:

a) feeding the biomass feed chamber (1) via the opening (3) with biomass directly from the delivery vehicle, the delivery device / device, so that the fresh substrate is rinsed directly into the liquid present in the container b) flushing the fresh substrates with biologically active liquid from one

external source, from the pump chamber (2), the fermenter of the plant or with another liquid via the Einspülsystem (6), wherein a hydrolysis of the biomass begins and the liquid level fills up to the top level c) mixing and incipient homogenization of the biomass by means of

Mixing technology (7)

d) one or multiple transfer of the mixed material in the

Pump chamber (2) by means of the cutting pump (10), wherein a processing by comminution and further homogenization takes place

e) derivation of the forming hydrolysis gas and reintroduction into the

Pumping and / or charging chamber for stimulating methane formation by promoting the living conditions of the hydrogen-oxidizing archaea, optionally also by supplying hydrogen-containing gases from an external source. f) transfer of the material from the pump room into the fermenter.

A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the dosage of the

Biomass mixture is made from the container in a subsequent process depending on the current gas formation in the system via volume flow control.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the pump space (2) serves as a reserve for hydrolysis bacteria.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the

used biomass by supplying a biologically active liquid material, preferably recirculated from a more advanced process stage of fermentation, provided by pump (5), via a flushing system (6) of the charged biomass and this mixed so that at the same time, suspended, mashed and the hydrolysis sustainable is optimized.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that in the gas recirculation and hydrogen-containing gas can be fed from an external source.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the

Increasing the material digestion in the hydrolysis process an ultrasonic treatment a biologically active liquid material, preferably recirculated, from a more advanced process stages of fermentation takes place and that the treated by ultrasound material flow is then again subjected to the hydrolysis according to claim 9.

A method according to claim 14, characterized in that a) the ultrasound treatment takes place within the substrate line according to claim 6 and b) the measurement of the parameters of the liquid within the substrate line to measuring nozzle is carried out and c) based on the measured parameters, the control of the pump takes place, whereby the intensity is increased or decreased or a backwashing is caused.