Decentralized Biogas Extraction Device for Pipe Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized gas extraction in waste storage facilities leads to significant energy loss, poor pressure distribution, and reliability issues due to high negative pressure and centralized control systems, limiting optimal biogas extraction and regulation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, unitary extraction device with localized control and flow regulation means, including solenoid valves and communication systems, allows for decentralized biogas extraction close to production zones, reducing energy consumption and enhancing system robustness and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If centralized pumping is used upstream to create depression, then gas extraction can be performed, but significant energy loss occurs due to successive pressure drops throughout the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized extraction system into multiple decentralized extraction units distributed along the pipe network. Each unit independently creates local depression, eliminating the need for successive pressure drops and reducing energy loss. The segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple extraction points, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining system functionality.
2Stress or pressure
If centralized pumping creates strong depression upstream, then gas extraction is enabled, but poor pressure distribution results with areas near pumping having too strong depression and remote areas having insufficient depression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements extraction units with locally adjustable depression settings at different positions along the pipe network. Each unit can be independently configured to create appropriate depression levels for its specific location, ensuring optimal pressure distribution throughout the network. This local quality approach allows remote areas to achieve sufficient depression while preventing excessive depression near pumping points.
3Productivity
If very high negative pressure is created near the pumping point, then gas extraction is maximized, but air enters the overhead pipe network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable extraction units that can modulate their depression levels in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain optimal extraction rates while preventing depression levels from exceeding thresholds that would cause air ingress. The dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptive response to changing network conditions and gas flow rates.
4Reliability
If centralized control systems are used to regulate extraction, then coordination is achieved, but reliability problems arise due to risk of failure leading to shutdown of the entire network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into multiple independent decentralized control units, each managing its own extraction unit. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure inherent in centralized control - if one control unit fails, only the corresponding extraction unit is affected while the rest of the network continues operating. The modular control architecture maintains regulation capability through distributed intelligence.
5Ease of operation
If valves are used for balancing the network, then flow regulation is achieved, but each pressure drop corresponds to energy loss and significant cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the depression-generation function from the traditional valve-based flow regulation approach. Instead of using valves to create pressure drops for flow control, the system employs active extraction units that directly remove gas at controlled rates. This eliminates the energy-wasting pressure drops associated with valve regulation while maintaining precise flow control capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes energy losses, improves pressure distribution, and ensures reliable, adaptable biogas extraction by positioning extraction means near production zones, reducing the risk of air ingress and enabling flexible operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the centralized extraction means, in this case an extraction pump 10, create a depression whose absolute set point value is high, whose absolute value of the depression is for example included between 5 and 150 millibars
Implementation Method 2
flow regulation means, coupled to the extraction means and driven by the control means; and/or a manual valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for regulating the flow rate of a fluid in a pipe (13X) of a network of pipes, the device comprising: measurement means (17'); means for extracting the fluid from the pipe (10, 0'); and control means (14, 14') that are configured to control the extraction of the fluid on the basis of the measurements (1) carried out by the measurement means (17'). The device is substantially characterized in that the control means (14, 14') are configured to control the extraction means (10, 10'), and in that the extraction means (10, 10') include unit extraction means (10') configured to be moved into or towards said pipe (13X).