Management of biodegradable waste generated on farms and in agricultural and food processing industry, represents a significant challenge to local governments, which are not always able to use specialised installations dealing with waste processing. Combined power and heat utilities, fired by biogas, commonly known as biogas plants, are a solution to this problem.
A biogas plant obtains biowaste from local production and processing companies, and farms, and its task is to convert it first into biogas, and then into electricity and heat in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
To see how this process is managed, we will visit Falknowo in Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, where a biogas plant belonging to Polska Grupa Biogazowa is located.
Łukasz Dudziak - Purchasing and Logistics Director in Polska Grupa Biogazowa (podpis)
The plant in Falknowo started its operation in June 2020. Polska Grupa Biogazowa operates several similar facilities located all over Poland. The Group is at the stage of dynamic development. Subsequent biogas plants are under construction.
Feedstock used for biogas production is delivered in specially adapted tankers and other delivery vehicles. These materials include silage from energy crops and waste from processing of agricultural products and food.
After delivery , feedstock is stored in special silos or, in the case of liquid materials, in hermetic underground tanks.
The liquid and solid materials, mixed in appropriate proportion, are dosed to fermentation tanks by a system of pumps. The capacity of these tanks can reach even 5000 m3. They are cylindrical in shape and covered with a gas-tight cupola roof.
Biogas is produced in the anaerobic methane fermentation process. Fermentation tanks are heated to the required temperature, usually about 40 °C. Fermenting mass must also be continuously mixed by a system of mixers installed in the tanks.
During the methane fermentation, numerous groups of bacteria digest the organic matter and generate a mixture of various gases, mainly methane and carbon dioxide.
The generated biogas is then sent to a treatment system, where water and hydrogen sulphide are removed. Treated biogas is used in cogeneration engines to produce electricity and heat.
Heat generated in a biogas plant can be used for various purposes. Some plants of Polska Grupa Biogazowa operate timber dryers, which can be used by companies from the wood industry.
Heat generated in our plants can also be delivered to residential buildings, companies, and public utility buildings. The plant in Falknowo supplies heat to a local windows factory.
One of the fermentation products is also a digestate - a post-fermentation mass. The digestate is characterised by a high nutrient content, so it can be an excellent substitute for artificial or natural fertilisers. It supports reduction of greenhouse gases emissions, and does not emit burdensome odours. Therefore it is willingly used by local farmers.
Biogas plants become a part of a specific local system, within which farmers and companies from agricultural and food processing sectors deliver to a biogas plant biowaste, which is used to produce heat and electrical energy. Additionally, farmers obtain valuable digestate. A biogas plant fits into the circular economy model, so popular in the world. This model relies primarily on measures to reduce amounts of waste by its skilful use as secondary materials.
Biogas can be an alternative to fossil fuels. Smog is no longer a problem for only large cities, more often it also “suffocates” rural areas.
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16 сен 2024
