Organic Waste - Raw Material for Biogas and Compost
Organic waste is created by private households, industry and food processing plants. Beside compost products, valuable biogas fuel can be obtained from this waste. 80 to 100 m³ of biogas can be generated from one metric ton of organic waste - that corresponds to 55 to 100 L of heating oil. After being delivered, the organic waste is shredded and machine-sorted into substrate and structure components. The substrate is then fed via a buffer tank into the multi-stage fermentation process which, at 131°F (55°C), operates in a "thermophilic" temperature zone. Fermentation sludge and biogas are the end products of this process. The fermentation sludge is mixed with the structure mass to create high-grade compost products. The biogas generated in the reactors is collected in gas storage tanks and later converted into heat and electricity in a combined block heat and power plant.
Backup Detection with the VEGACAP 66
The substrate is brought to the buffer tank via belt or screw conveyors. A fully insulated VEGACAP 66 capacitive cable probe detects irregularities and prevents backup or overfilling of the buffer tank. Depending on the temperature, steam may form in the buffer tank. Completely uninfluenced by this, the VEGACAP 66 continues to function reliably.
Level Measurement in the Reactor with the VEGAPULS 66
To ensure efficient fermentation, the optimum levels of the individual reactors must be ensured. The typical measuring conditions in the reactors include layered gasses, temperatures up to 131°F (55°C) and multistage agitators. For this reason, VEGAPULS 66 radar sensors with large horn antennas are implemented for continuous level measurement. These instruments measure the level with extreme precision, even under difficult process conditions.
Overfill Protection with the VEGACAP 64
The mandatory overfill protection is realized with a VEGACAP 64 capacitive rod measuring probe. It requires no adjustment and is ready to operate immediately after installation. Due to the fully insulated, buildup-insensitive construction, it delivers an exact switching point even with strongly adhering products.
Pressure Measurement with the VEGABAR 52
To monitor gas generation in the reactors, gas pressure of only a few mbar is measured continuously. The VEGABAR 52 pressure transmitter is recommended for this task. Its ceramic CERTEC® measuring cell provides the small measuring ranges required for this precision measurement.
