Pneumatic membranes for biogas plants

Beccarelli, Paolo and Maffei, Roberto (2018) Pneumatic membranes for biogas plants. Proceedings of the IASS Annual Symposia . ISSN 2518-6582

[img]
Preview
PDF - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
Download (973kB) | Preview

Abstract

The biogas sector had a rapid development in the last decade with several new industrial plants realized all over Europe and Worldwide. The intrinsic efficiency of membrane structures [1] provided a cost effective solution to cover digesters, bio-filters, lagoons and gas holders through different concepts such as floating membranes, anticlastic geometries and pneumatic structures. However, after less than ten years of use, the structures show several critical aspects, generally related to the premature corrosion of the membrane, the failure of the joints and the overload due to strong winds and heavy snowfalls. This paper presents a review of the main structural solutions based on a pneumatic concept such as air-halls, pneumatic beams and floating roofs. The description will be supported by case studies of each type of structure including air-halls for digesters and bio-filters, Tensairity® and pneumatic beams for long span roofs, floating roofs for large lagoons. For each case study the authors will present data and examples related to the design, manufacturing and installation of the membrane and the issues related to the rapid degradation of the performance of the structure due to the extreme corrosive environment based on high temperatures and high concentration of corrosive chemicals. Finally, the paper will offer a review of the current precautions and solutions to reduces the risks of failures and to improve the expected lifespan of the structures.

Item Type: Article
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Engineering
Depositing User: Hatton, Mrs Kirsty
Date Deposited: 27 Sep 2018 11:07
Last Modified: 27 Sep 2018 11:16
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/55174

Actions (Archive Staff Only)

Edit View Edit View