SOLVING MOISTURE ISSUES IN BIOGAS COMPRESSION SYSTEMS

The Problem

Biogas collection and purification is an important process that can help offset a farm’s energy costs and environmental impact. One of our clients, a large dairy farm in the Midwest, already employed our skid systems but needed additional equipment for a new site.
Their problem involved a unique situation with a biogas compression skid from a waste digester operating at near atmospheric pressure. They needed to maintain a constant dew point at the exit of the skid. However, the digester’s inlet pressure would fluctuate and cause unpredictable changes in the exit dew point. Additionally, the skid needed to be designed quickly, manufactured and delivered with fast turnaround time, and needed to fit a very tight footprint.

The Solution

Keeping in mind the footprint limitations, our designers were able to take advantage of the vertical space allowed by the application site, minimizing the horizontal space required. We installed a back-pressure regulator at the exit of the skid, to ensure pressure exiting the dehydrator was constant. Additionally, a recycle line was routed back to the compressor inlet to relieve any excess pressure upstream of the regulator. These modifications enabled the machine to maintain a constant dew point after the gas was chilled and dehydrated. Glauber electrical engineers also designed and supplied the skid control panel, complete with motor VFDs, Allen Bradley PLC, and a touchscreen HMI to monitor and control the equipment.

Specifically, a Ro-Flo vane compressor raises the pressure to 35 psig for transport through pipelines and on to further processing equipment. The system includes an aftercooler, a dehydrator, and a re-heater to prevent condensation from forming in underground pipelines. Additional materials used included ainless steel pipe and a carbon steel base. The final solution processes a volume 550 scfm while meeting the standards for Class 1, Division 2 hazardous areas.

Using the Ro-Flo compressor was key to the success of the solution.
The compressor has a superior design and is built to last at least 50 years with minimal maintenance. Because of its reputation for longevity and low maintenance requirements, we use the Ro-Flo brand of compressors on our skids whenever possible to ensure the best quality systems for our customers.

One of the exclusive features Glauber Equipment included in the design was the coupling of the cooling pump running off the drive shaft. This allows for a more tightly designed platform that can fit into constricted spaces.

Our team of experts came together to provide our client with the solution they were looking for. The customer was impressed that we were able to design a system in such a short amount of time while still addressing all of their needs—particularly the issue of space requirements.

Not only was the customer satisfied, but the dairy farm installation won the American Biogas Council Innovation of the Year award for 2018. The award recognized that the combination of sulfur and carbon dioxide removal technologies, facilitated by the use of Glauber compression skids, created improvements not only in efficiency, but also in overall cost.

The Experts

Located in Lancaster, New York, the team at Glauber Equipment has more than 60 years of experience designing and producing custom skid systems. With our spacious facility, onsite machinery, and skilled technicians and mechanics, we can meet the stringent installation requirements in the dairy industry.

At Glauber Equipment, our goal is to provide each RNG industry client with a flexible and innovative solution for their compressor issues. Request a quote to find out how Glauber can help you improve efficiency and reduce your costs!

Contact Glauber Equipment Corporation today.

Let’s discuss your complex product design and how our team can help you make it more understandable to your clients, investors, and the rest of the world.

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