Pumping solutions for biogas applications

Biogas producers play a critical role in the transition to greener energy, thus contributing to environmental protection

PCM offers robust and high-performance biogas pumping solutions, specially designed to meet the requirements of biogas plants, facilitating the recovery of organic waste.

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Challenges in biogas applications

 

Heterogeneous raw material management 

The raw materials used in anaerobic digestion processes, such as slurry, crop residues or food waste, are often highly viscous, very abrasive materials, which contain particles of varying sizes, which makes the transfer raw materials less easy. 

Security and Regulatory Compliance

Food safety and compliance with environmental standards impose strict requirements for the treatment of animal by-products and bio-waste. Hygienisation processes are essential to ensure quality biogas.

Cost and maintenance optimization

The durability and efficiency of equipment are crucial to minimize operational costs and combat overconsumption of materials. PCM pumps ensure rock-solid reliability. Maintenance is facilitated, which ensures process continuity, minimizing production stoppages. 

PCM pumping solutions in the process of Biogas Production

Storage and transfer of raw materials 

Before they are introduced into the digesters, raw materials such as slurry, manure and food waste are stored. These materials are often very dense, viscous, and abrasive, requiring robust pumping solutions.

Digester feed and fermentation

Organic matter is sent to digesters where it ferments and produces gas. To facilitate fermentation, part of the fluid can be transferred from one digester to another, allowing the process to be started in another digester. At this stage, the organic matter is not fully digested, so the transferred fluid is particle-laden and highly viscous. 

Recirculation 

The digestate is pumped into the digesters and then fed back into the hopper pump body. Mixing the raw materials with the digestate liquefies the mixture for easy transfer. A high proportion of dry matter in the raw materials can cause clogging during transfer to the digesters.

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Biogas - Process 2

Hygienization

Pasteurization or sanitization is a crucial step to ensure the safety of certain raw materials, such as animal by-products that must be transferred from their storage area to the sanitization tank to be crushed, heated and treated, to eliminate pathogens before they are digested.

Transfer of digestate 

After fermentation, the digestate must be transferred to the separating machines, to reduce the water content of the digestate.

Phase separation 

The digestate is separated into solid and liquid fractions, making them easier to store and spread.

Digestate discharge

The  liquid digestate is evacuated and then transferred to the fields to be spread and used as fertilizer in agriculture. This step may require transferring fluids over long distances.

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PCM Solutions

Applications

Benefits

Discover

Picto pump - PCM EcoMoineau MX PCM EcoMoineau™ MX

Designed for applications requiring long-distance pumping, withstanding high pressures and efficient evacuation.

High abrasion resistance. Ease of maintenance with the maintenance system in place. Adaptability to various types of fluids

Picto pump - PCM Moineau AV PCM MX-V

Specifically designed to meet the challenges of pumping digestate, whether liquid or solid-laden. 

Vertical suction capacity up to 5 metres deep. Ideal for biogas digestate discharge applications. Reliable performance and a solution suitable for demanding environments

Picto pump - PCM X-BIO PCM X-BIO

Particulary efficient with dense, viscous, and abrasive fluids

Transfer of viscous and pasty fluids with a very high dry matter content (< 50%). Robust construction and Archimedean screw. Ensure increased pump life and efficient feeding of the digesters.

Picto pump - PCM X-Guard PCM X-Guard

Protects the plant's equipment by grinding solid particles

Effective equipment protection. Reduced maintenance costs. Blockage prevention

Picto pump - PCM Delasco™ PCM Delasco™ DX

Ideal for the transfer of inputs requiring sanitization.

Gentle fluid handling. Ideal for sensitive or corrosive fluids. Simple and efficient maintenance

FAQ - Biogas production

 

How do I choose the right pump for my biogas plant?

The choice of pump depends on the specific characteristics of the materials to be processed and the requirements of the installation.

 

What are the main challenges of pumping in biogas plants?

Key challenges include the transfer of viscous and abrasive materials, the management of particle-laden fluids, and compliance with sanitary standards.

What are the advantages of progressive cavity pumps for anaerobic digestion?

Progressive cavity pumps are ideal for viscous and abrasive fluids, providing easy maintenance and increased durability.

How can PCM help optimize my anaerobic digestion process?

PCM offers pumping solutions adapted to each stage and each process of biogas digestion, with technical support and maintenance services to ensure optimal operation.

 

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