Nitrogen solutions for the biogas industry.
The biogas industry is a rapidly growing sector that converts organic residues and manure into renewable energy and valuable end products. At Presscon, we understand the challenges of this sector and provide innovative solutions for safe, efficient and reliable biogas production.
Technology for efficient and sustainable biogas plants
Our biogas plants are suitable for the anaerobic digestion of all organic feedstocks, from manure to agricultural residues and industrial residues. During this process, valuable products such as biogas (methane and CO₂) are created, but also substances such as ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and water vapor, which must be carefully managed to ensure safety and environmental standards.
Presscon offers a total package of technologies that make your biogas plant safer, more efficient and more sustainable. Below we explain the most important solutions.
Need advice for your business or industry?
How Presscon nitrogen solutions stabilize biogas processes
A biogas plant requires continuous process management and protection against corrosion, oxidation and pressure fluctuations. Presscon offers a total concept where nitrogen generator and ATEX protector together form one integrated system to optimally stabilize your biogas process.
The total concept: nitrogen generator + ATEX protector
Our on-site nitrogen generator produces nitrogen continuously, precisely tailored to the consumption of your plant. This nitrogen is used for inerting, gas blanketing, pipe and tank protection and pressure stabilization.
The ATEX protector works together with the generator to control overpressure, underpressure and explosion hazards. Thus, the combined system forms a safe, reliable and fully controlled environment for your biogas process, independent of external deliveries or bulk storage.
Link between technology and process security
The Presscon system combines advanced technology with practical process needs:
- The generator continuously delivers the correct nitrogen flow and purity.
- The ATEX fuse regulates pressure and safety.
- Sensors and controls ensure that inerting, flushing and pressure control are automatic and precise.
Why on-site nitrogen is critical
On-site nitrogen offers several advantages:
- Continuously available for inerting and pressure stabilization
- Precisely controllable to process needs, unlike bulk nitrogen
- No dependence on suppliers or transportation
- Sustainable and energy-efficient, often powered by their own biogas flow
- Lower operational risks, such as ATEX and occupational health and safety hazards with high-pressure bottles
By producing nitrogen directly on site, your biogas process can run stably even during peak consumption, outages or maintenance.
Nitrogen generator for pressure management and odor control
Our nitrogen generator converts ambient air into pure nitrogen. This nitrogen is used to create a slight overpressure in the digesters (digester tanks) and continuously monitored.
This technology supports you in optimizing the production process while complying with environmental standards and safety regulations.
Main advantages of a nitrogen generator in biogas:
1. Limited tank movements
Digesters need to expand or contract less, reducing plant wear.
2. Reduces odor nuisance
With overpressure, excess nitrogen is discharged back into the atmosphere in a controlled manner, reducing nuisance or toxic odors such as ammonia and H₂S.
3. Reduces odor nuisance
Nitrogen makes the concentration of methane, CO₂ and other releases more manageable, contributing to the safety and efficiency of your process.
ATEX safety valve: protection against explosive and hazardous conditions
Safety is also very important in biogas plants. Presscon supplies the ATEX safety valve for this purpose, a safe solution that protects your digesters from overpressure, vacuum and hazardous substances.
By combining the technologies listed at right, you can run your biogas plant reliably, safely and environmentally friendly.
Functioning of the Presscon ATEX safety valve
Condensation and dust removal
Condensation can occur during fermentation, often with corrosive or odorous substances such as H₂S. The ATEX protector captures these and disposes of them safely.
Overpressure protection
When the pressure in a digester rises above a safe limit, the ATEX safety valve automatically opens and discharges excess gases in a controlled manner.
Vacuum Protection
At the same time, the system prevents the tank from being under vacuum, for example during the emptying of the digester.
ATEX certification
The system meets the most stringent ATEX guidelines for explosive environments, making it completely safe for use in biogas plants.
Integration with nitrogen generator
When combined with the nitrogen generator, pressure control becomes even more precise and odors and noxious gases are better contained.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of Presscon. Our on-site nitrogen solutions for biogas plants contribute to lower environmental impact, higher energy efficiency and circular operations.
No transport of nitrogen
Because the nitrogen is produced directly on site, no trucks are required to deliver bulk nitrogen. This limits carbon emissions and reduces transportation-related risks.
Use of own energy resources
Our systems can be powered with electricity from your own biogas stream. This makes nitrogen production energy efficient, sustainable and reduces operational costs.
Minimal waste streams
Nitrogen is produced precisely according to the current needs of your plant. There is no surplus and therefore no waste, making the system efficient and circular.
Contribution to environmental standards and safety
By inerting processes, reducing odors and preventing chemical reactions, nitrogen helps not only with process reliability, but also with compliance with strict environmental legislation and safety standards.
Long service life and modular expansion
Presscon systems are designed for decades of use. They are modularly expandable in flow, purity and buffers, so you can sustainably scale up nitrogen supply with your plant. And the modular design makes our system easy to maintain.
In short, Presscon combines safety, process reliability and environmental friendliness so that your biogas plant not only runs efficiently and reliably, but also makes a sustainable contribution to your operations and the environment.
Presscon: your partner in nitrogen solutions for bio gas
Presscon is your biogas industry partner with in-depth knowledge of digestion, gas management and process safety with over 25 years of experience. Because all our systems are fully developed and built in-house, we guarantee maximum quality control and customization for every application.
If you want to know more about tank blanketing systems, we can help. With decades of expertise, cutting-edge nitrogen generation technology, and round-the-clock service, we deliver reliable, relatively low cost, energy-efficient solutions that protect your product and your bottom line. With Presscon, you invest in innovation, reliability and safety, ensuring that your biogas plant performs optimally.
Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation or a tailored quote.
Why choose Presscon?
- Produce biogas efficiently and sustainably
- Minimize odor nuisance and safety risks
- To comply with strict environmental and safety regulations
Questions about nitrogen solutions in the bioindustry?
Presscon specializes in the design, construction and maintenance of nitrogen expansion systems, fire prevention systems and innovative solutions using compressed air and nitrogen. Want to know more? Contact Presscon for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of a slight overpressure in a digester?
Creating a slight overpressure in a digester ensures that the pressure in the system remains constant and stable. This controlled overpressure prevents outside air and oxygen from entering the system. This reduces the risk of oxidation, corrosion and unwanted process disturbances.
Stable pressure contributes to safe and reliable operation of the digester and protects pipes, tanks and fittings from damage. In addition, slight overpressure supports process control, allowing the plant to continue to operate more efficiently and with less maintenance.
Does an ATEX fuse also work without a nitrogen generator?
Yes, an ATEX protector also works without a nitrogen generator. The function of the ATEX arrester is separate from nitrogen generation and is specifically intended for the applications described in the operation of the Presscon ATEX arrester.
The ATEX protector provides safety and pressure control within the system independent of a nitrogen generator. The use of a nitrogen generator provides additional benefits, such as inerting and oxidation prevention, but is not a requirement for the operation of the ATEX protector itself.
What parts of a biogas plant can be protected with nitrogen?
Nitrogen can be used in several places within a biogas plant to keep processes safe, stable and reliable.
- In the digester
Nitrogen is used for gas blanketing and inerting, especially during startup or shutdown. This prevents oxygen ingress and reduces or prevents corrosion of the digester roof and top wall. - In gas roofs and double membranes
In installations with a gas roof or double membrane, nitrogen provides pressure stabilization. Stable pressure prevents mechanical stress, deformation and damage to the membrane. - During maintenance and downtime
Nitrogen can be used to inertize or flush parts of the plant. This keeps pipes, tanks and components protected from oxidation and unwanted reactions. - Throughout the entire process
In fact, nitrogen is applicable throughout the biogas process where inerting, flushing or maintaining stable pressure is important, both during production and during maintenance or temporary downtime.
Through these applications, nitrogen contributes to safe operations, less corrosion and longer biogas plant life.
Can Presscon provide custom solutions for existing biogas plants?
Yes, Presscon provides customized nitrogen solutions for existing biogas plants. We always analyze the current situation and plant structure first, so that our solution fits seamlessly with your process and technical requirements.
Whether you need inerting, gas blanketing, pressure stabilization, or protection during maintenance and downtime, Presscon designs and delivers a system that can be easily integrated into your existing plant, without major modifications. Thanks to our years of experience and in-house engineering, you are assured of a reliable, safe and efficient custom solution.
How do I know which nitrogen solution is right for my plant?
Every installation is unique. Therefore, there is no standard nitrogen solution suitable for every situation. By contacting us, our specialists will look with you at the setup, process and specific needs of your installation.
On that basis, we advise you on the nitrogen solution that best suits your application, be it inerting, pressure control, corrosion prevention or process safety. This ensures you have a customized solution that is safe, efficient and future-proof.
Why does Presscon choose on-site nitrogen generation in the biogas industry?
Presscon deliberately chooses on-site nitrogen generation because it is the most reliable, safe and sustainable solution for biogas plants. By producing nitrogen directly on site, it is available 24/7, without dependence on external suppliers or supply risks.
Unlike bulk nitrogen, on-site nitrogen generation is precisely controllable as needed. This makes it ideally suited for process stability, even during outages, maintenance or unexpected peak consumption. Bulk facilities are primarily designed to handle large volumes, but offer less control and flexibility for continuous process control.
In addition, on-site nitrogen generation reduces operating costs in structural use and eliminates the logistical inconvenience of trucks and high-pressure bottles. This results in fewer ATEX and ARBO risks and a safer working environment.
On-site nitrogen generation also offers great advantages in terms of sustainability. No transportation is required and the plant uses only electricity, which in the biogas industry is often even generated from its own biogas stream. This reduces carbon emissions and environmental impact.
Finally, Presscon’s nitrogen plants are modular and easily expandable in flow, purity and buffer storage. Thus, the nitrogen supply grows effortlessly with your plant and future process needs.
Can Presscon provide design, installation and service support?
Yes, Presscon offers full support from design to service for nitrogen solutions in biogas plants. Biogas processes run continuously. Our nitrogen systems and service are fully geared to that.
We advise on the design of an installation, ensure correct installation and commissioning, and provide 24/7 service and maintenance to keep your nitrogen supply reliable. This ensures a safe, stable and efficient system that is always available when your process requires it.
Need advice for your installation?