Vibration Device for Biogas Fermenter Foam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biogas plants face challenges with uncontrolled foam production and degassing issues due to high viscosity and low shear rates in the fermentation medium, leading to clogged gas lines and potential damage to the fermenter roof or gas storage tank, with existing solutions being costly, energy-intensive, or unsuitable for high-solids content substrates.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device is introduced into the biogas fermenter to transmit vibrations that expel dissolved CO2 and coalesce gas bubbles, using variable frequencies to target and reduce both polyhedron foam and bubble dispersion, thereby preventing foam formation and improving degassing without significant pressure drop or energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional foam control methods (chemical additives, mechanical breakers) are used, then foam formation is reduced, but operating costs and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibrations with frequencies of 10-100 Hz to the fermentation medium to disrupt foam structure and promote gas bubble coalescence. The vibration device creates oscillatory motion that prevents stable foam formation while consuming minimal energy compared to conventional mechanical foam breakers or chemical additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of vibration frequency (10-100 Hz) to control foam behavior. By adjusting the frequency parameter, the system optimizes foam disruption effectiveness while maintaining low energy consumption, avoiding the need for expensive chemical foam control agents.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high stirring power is applied to improve mixing and reduce foam, then foam formation is reduced, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using high-power stirring, the patent employs low-power vibration (10-100 Hz) that specifically targets foam structures. This selective approach reduces foam formation without requiring the high stirring powers (500-2000 W/m³) used in conventional systems, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration device applies localized oscillatory motion specifically to regions where foam forms, rather than requiring global high-power stirring of the entire fermentation medium. This localized approach achieves foam control with minimal energy input compared to system-wide mechanical agitation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical foam control agents are added to the fermentation medium, then foam formation is reduced, but production costs and potential contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical foam control agents with a mechanical vibration system. By using vibrations at 10-100 Hz, the system achieves foam disruption without introducing any chemical substances into the fermentation medium, eliminating costs associated with chemical additives and potential contamination risks.
4Productivity
If the fermentation medium viscosity is reduced to improve degassing, then gas bubble coalescence improves, but process stability and substrate retention are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device enhances gas bubble coalescence and degassing efficiency through mechanical oscillations (10-100 Hz) without requiring changes to the fermentation medium's viscosity or composition. This maintains process stability and substrate retention while improving gas release, avoiding the need to dilute or chemically modify the medium.
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
The vibration device effectively reduces foam production and enhances degassing, preventing damage to equipment while being cost-effective and suitable for biogas plants with high solids content, with low energy requirements and minimal disruption to operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration device (19, 20) is provided in the fermenter which is designed to transmit vibrations to a fermentation medium (13) contained in the biogas fermenter (1)
Implementation Method 2
the gas bubbles coalesce and leave the fermentation broth at the top due to the density difference
Implementation Method 3
the gas bubbles coalesce and leave the fermentation broth at the top due to the density difference
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for reducing foaming and/or for improving degassing of a fermentation medium in a biogas fermenter. The present invention further relates to a method for reducing and preventing foaming and/or for improving the degassing of the fermentation medium in a biogas fermenter by means of a vibration device, and to a biogas fermenter having said vibration device for fighting foaming and/or for improving degassing.