Modular Lagoon Cover Assembly for Biogas Capture and Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anaerobic digestion systems, particularly open slurry lagoons, face challenges with fugitive methane emissions, nitrogen loss, and operational difficulties due to exposure to natural elements, and scaling large covers is impractical due to seam welding issues and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A tessellated cover system with expandable units and attachable portions, featuring a biogas storage bag, ballast tubes, and a clamping system for rapid deployment and sealing, along with a rainwater management system, to capture and process biogas efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large single-piece cover is used to cover the slurry container, then the coverage area is improved, but the weight and handling difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is divided into multiple modular cover units that can be individually handled and assembled. Each cover unit is a manageable size that can be easily transported and installed, yet multiple units combine to provide complete coverage of large slurry containers. The attachable portions allow these segmented units to form a continuous sealed cover when joined together.
2Area of stationary object
If a large single-piece cover is used, then the coverage area is improved, but the complexity of seam welding and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into standardized modular units with pre-formed attachable portions, eliminating the need for complex field welding. Each unit is designed to connect to adjacent units through simple mechanical attachment mechanisms, significantly reducing assembly complexity compared to welding large single-piece covers or custom-fitted segmented covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover units are designed as universal modular components that can be used to cover various sizes of slurry containers by simply varying the number of units assembled. The standardized attachable portions allow the same unit design to serve multiple functions and configurations, reducing the need for custom-designed components for different application sizes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional cover systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the deployment time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The cover units are pre-assembled with integrated attachable portions and internal structures (such as support frameworks or anchoring mechanisms) before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid installation on-site without requiring time-consuming field assembly or welding operations, while still ensuring structural stability when the units are connected together to form the complete cover system.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for a slurry container is provided. The cover includes a plurality of attachable cover units including a first attachable cover unit and a second attachable cover unit. Each of the attachable cover units has at least one edge with an attachable portion. The first attachable cover unit is attached to the second attachable cover unit at the edge of the first and second attachable cover units having the attachable portion.