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Waste
Recovery
Critical role of biogas conditioning in organic waste recovery
Effective biogas conditioning is essential in the transformation of organic waste into usable energy , helping industries meet sustainability goals while protecting equipment and the environment . In this article , we explore how by removing harmful compounds and controlling moisture levels , companies can maximize biogas efficiency , reduce emissions , and contribute to a circular economy .
By Héctor Martínez , SACOME
Why go for waste recovery ? In recent years , waste recovery has become a priority and necessary activity for companies that generate and manage industrial waste . Firstly , because it is in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda , contributing to the promotion of the circular economy and the reduction of greenhouse gases . And secondly , because this recovery allows for more sustainable and profitable waste management , as it avoids sending large quantities of rejects to landfills , reducing the economic cost of landfilling or incineration . In general , we can classify waste recovery into two categories , depending on the objective pursued : 1 . Valorisation for obtaining new raw materials . 2 . Recovery for the generation of energy .
At SACOME , as specialists in the design and manufacture of tubular heat exchangers and pressure vessels , we have been developing many collaborations over the last 10 years with engineering firms and companies that generate and / or manage different types of industrial waste . Thanks to these collaborations , we have extensive experience in the supply of equipment for the valorisation of organic waste generated in wastewater treatment plants ( WWTP ), through the production of a biofuel called biogas from this waste . In particular , SACOME designs and manufactures the tubular heat exchangers , separator vessels and filter tanks that are necessary for the conditioning of the biogas prior to its use .
What is anaerobic digestion ? A WWTP produces a large amount of organic waste . In order to reduce its volume and limit pollution , this waste or sludge is sent to a device known as an anaerobic digester . In this equipment , the biochemical degradation of the sludge takes place thanks to bacteriological action in a temperature-controlled environment and in the absence of oxygen . This digestion transforms the sludge into biogas , which is a gas with a high calorific value due to its methane-rich composition . Although the composition of a biogas depends on the nature of the organic waste from which it is generated , the following percentages are characteristic for a biogas obtained in a WWTP :
• Methane : CH 4
= 59 %.
• Carbon dioxide : CO 2 = 34 %.
• Oxygen : O 2
= 1 %.
• Nitrogen : N 2
= 1 %.
• Water vapour = 5 %.
These percentages will be different , for example , in a biogas obtained from waste from a landfill or a swamp , or in a biogas generated from industrial waste of different nature ( dairy waste , sanitary waste , etc .). But in all cases , it is always advisable to carry out a biogas conditioning process , as a prior step to its use as fuel in specially prepared engines , which in turn can drive an alternator and generate electricity , which can be fed into the power grid or used for self-consumption .
Figure 1 . Horizontal heat exchanger with axial inlet and separator vessel with radial outlet and support legs .
Figure 2 . Horizontal heat exchanger with radial inlet and separator vessel with axial outlet and directly placed on the floor .
40 Heat Exchanger World December 2024 www . heat-exchanger-world . com