Axpo Kompogas AG produces energy and bio fertilizers from organic waste in more the 75 fermentation plants around the world. In order to improve the service life of its biogas plants, the Swiss company has decided to use a measurement technology solution from HBK. But how can sensors be securely and permanently installed in the wet and aggressive environment of a fermenter? The solution was offered by a process that HBK developed for offshore applications in the open sea.From the waste resource economy: This is the gold standard for sustainable success in an era of increasing environmental and efficiency awareness. An important role in this concept is played by fermentation plants that produce biogas - and therefore , usable energy - from organic waste such as leftover food or garden compost. With more than 20 years experience in this sector and over 75 plants in operation around the world, the Swiss company Axpo Kompogas is one of the leading operators and project developments in this branch. Axpo Kompogas operates 16 fermentation plants itself in Switzerland. The company manages a further nine plants with partner companies. These plants fermented more than 184,000 tons of bio waste in total during 2010. The net power production amounted to 22 million kilowatt hours.
Continuously rotating paddles are used in the fermentation plants to circulate the biomass. In order to optimize the service life of their plants and obtain detailed information about possible deformation of the paddles, Axpo Kompogas decided to install a comprehensive measurement technology monitoring solution from HBK in their fermentation plant in the Swiss town of Chavornay, in the canton of Waadt. The Axpo Kompogas engineers also hoped to obtain more in-depth knowledge about the various forces acting on the plant equipment.
The strain gauges applied directly to the stirrer paddles will detect loads, overloads and deformations. This means the measurement technology is really "on site" and directly where the action is. This allows previously implemented calculations and simulation to be verified, and to indicate and implement constructive improvements for future plants based on the actual occurring forces. However, the ambient conditions in the fermenter pose a particular challenge for the installation of the strain gauges. The paddles, and therefore the measurement points for the strain gauges and relevant cables, are located directly in the biomass, a constantly wet and aggressive environment. This means: the measurement point and cable must be absolutely resistant against biomass and moisture.
Because of this difficult task, Axpo Kompogas decided on a complete HBK solution: Strain gauges, a measurement data aquisition system and evaluation software - together with the direct installation of the measurement technology on site by experienced HBK service technicians.
The HBK experts installed the strain gauges directly to the stirrer paddles and ensured the measurement points were professionally and permanently protected by means of a special multiple seal. In this case, they used the HBK know-how, unique worldwide, acquired during the installation of strain gauges in wind energy offshore plants, where the measurement technology needed to be installed and appropriately sealed in locations up to 30 meters under seawater.
The "HBK SoMat eDAQlite" amplifier in use here, which is applied directly to the face of the shaft, can also display all its particular strengths. SoMat eDAQlite is not only small, it can also be used under extreme ambient conditions. The processed measured data is stored in eDAQlite and (if required) compressed, and can be read in the HBK evaluation software catman® on the PC when necessary via the Ethernet interface. The Axpo Kompogas technicians have access at all times to the measurement data with this monitoring solution.
It was important for Axpo Kompogas to have HBK as a partner for the complete measurement technology solution. With this complete solution, Axpo Kompogas was able to put an operational measurement system into operation - with minimum training requirements and perfectly designed for the hard conditions of the fermenter. HBK took over the responsibility for the entire measurement chain project and ensured scheduled completion by the time the fermenter passed acceptance.
Security through early damage detection - an advantage not only for Axpo Kompogas. Such monitoring systems offer solid economic advantages in numerous applications. With this complete solution, HBK offers "turnkey" solutions, even down to complete installation on request for extreme application conditions.
Axpo is driven by a single purpose – to enable a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions. Axpo is Switzerland's largest producer of renewable energy and an international leader in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power. Axpo combines the experience and expertise of more than 6,000 employees who are driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration and impactful change. Using cutting-edge technologies, Axpo innovates to meet the evolving needs of its customers in over 30 countries across Europe, North America and Asia.
Strain gauges (often also referred to as strain gages) are the key asset for measuring fatigue and testing materials for better and safer products. Whether it is in structural durability testing, structural health monitoring, or the production of OEM transducers, HBK's optical and electrical strain gauges are the first choice.
The eDAQ-lite and eDAQXR-lite are the perfect compact tools when testing applications with between 4 to 32 analog channels, such as motorcycles or any small agriculture, construction or mining vehicle. The small units are perfectly designed for long-term mobile testing or unattended monitoring in harsh environments.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.