In 1996-97 Supergas invented a new biogas system. Due to the innovation of a pressure equalisation system and a provocative new construction method and design, biogas technology can finally be disseminated at the gigantic markets in the rural and suburban areas around the Equator.
Many international organisations concerned with environmental and social problems have for many years hoped to find a technologically sustainable solution to the ecological problems encountered in developing countries. Deforestation, erosion and increasing workloads, as the lack of firewood makes its mark on everyday life, have all been adding to the pressure for a solution to the problems in the energy sector. By now there is a growing realisation that these problems can best be encountered by way of private ownership, though the problems encountered are indeed communal. Supergas has accomplished to develop a biogas digester that can be purchased by individual families. A biogas digester is a sound and ecologically sustainable solution to present problems in energy supply, and when it can be purchased by individuals, they themselves are in control of the means on which they rely for their basic needs. Whilst being a sound investment for the people who need it, the digester is, of course, also an interesting object for investors. Factors such as deforestation put a pressure on local households, and this pressure releases a consumer demand for technical solutions.
The Supergas biogas digester is now in a phase of commercialisation, and we are looking for partners to undertake this venture. We have established a wide contact net, including international aid organisations, environment organisations, research stations and others with an interest in renewable energy etc. We are now looking forward to establishing contact with future manufacturers and partners who want join us in exploring the systems full range of possibilities. Including the application of the revolutionary new pressure equalisation system into other contexts.
Technical description
The Supergas plant consists of two essential components – a pressure equalisation system and a plant for processing organic waste. The organic material used in the system is effectively mixed by means of the pressure arising as a result of the gas production. Thus the pressure equalisation system is designed on the basis of hydraulic principles without the application of mechanics.
Apart from being used in our system, the pressure equalisation system can also be used to convert existing systems, e.g. turning Chinese biogas plants into high efficiency plants.
The pressure equalisation system between the reactor and the higher displacement chamber can be regarded as the heart of the Supergas biogas system. The biogas pressure is converted into potential energy which is released at regular time intervals by means of a pressure equalisation system controlled by the gas pressure in the biogas reactor. This process releases remarkable amounts of energy which normally cannot be achieved manually nor mechanically. In this way the break-downs and energy loss which is normally associated with mechanical parts are avoided and at the same time the stirring process optimizes the efficiency of the plant considerably.
The device consists of two small chambers placed on top of each other. The chamber below is connected to the reactor whereas the chamber above is connected to the gasometer. The chambers are interconnected by a level tube and a reflux tube. The chamber below is provided with a filler tube. The level tube is set to blow out approximately 4 hours of gas production. The chamber below is approximately 3/4 full at the beginning of a new cycle. The liquid column in the level tube reflects the blow-off pressure. The level tube is calculated for a gas speed of 120 m/sec during blow-off. Within approximately 10 seconds the pressure between the reactor and the gasometer will be equalised and the substrate will flow back from the higher level of the displacement chamber. In a 5 m3 reactor the reflux substrate within the same time interval will be approximately 1,000 l.
The system operates without any supply of external energy for control or heating. The plant produces 3-5 m3 gas per day, which is enough for approximately 10 hours use. This is sufficient to provide a family of 10 members with gas for cooking and gas light purposes. The plant is raised without any mechanical or motor-driven tools.