The world is undergoing a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources as a means to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG) have emerged as promising sustainable energy solutions.
Biogas is produced by breaking down organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, and wastewater through anaerobic digestion or other conversion processes. Biogas primarily consists of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and is upgraded to RNG by removing impurities and increasing the methane content.
RNG is an environmentally friendly energy source with numerous applications. It can be used for heating, electricity generation, and as a transportation fuel, offering a low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels. RNG is carbon-neutral since the CO2 emitted during its combustion is offset by the CO2 absorbed by the organic feedstock during its growth phase. As a result, RNG can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Biogas and RNG Application Challenges
In biogas production and RNG upgrading, valves are responsible for controlling the flow of organic waste sources, regulating gas pressure, and ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of gas through the system. Solutions need to be specifically designed to handle the composition and characteristics of biogas, including high levels of moisture, impurities, and corrosive elements. The selection of appropriate valves and piping is crucial for optimizing the overall performance, safety, and environmental impact of biogas and RNG production systems.
At Armour Valve, we are committed to assisting biogas and RNG producers by offering valve and piping solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of this industry. Our biogas and RNG offering includes the following:
BRUGG Pipes
BRUGG Pipes offers an effective piping heating system for biogas applications and BRUGG’s CALPEX system is ideal for building connections as part of a biogas system. The compact outer diameter and uninterrupted length of the bonded pipe enable easy installation of CALPEX in narrow trenches, often without the need for ground connections. This results in reduced excavation requirements and accelerated construction timelines, saving both time and money. Moreover, the pipe’s advanced insulation properties, due to its pre-insulation, minimize energy loss. CALPEX pipe systems offer the lowest lambda value in the world (0.0199 W/m*K). BRUGG’s PREMANT pipes support large-scale district heating networks and are equipped with a leak detection system, while CASAFLEX pipe is suitable for high temperature applications.
Boehmer Pipeline Ball Valves
When it comes to gas applications, Boehmer Fully Welded Ball Valves are the preferred choice because of their exceptional performance and unwavering reliability. Designed with no intersecting weld seams, a primary metal secondary soft sealing system, and easily replaceable sealing elements, Boehmer Fully Welded Ball Valves offer an extended service life and hassle-free operation, delivering peace of mind and consistent performance.
Boehmer Ball Valves can be used to regulate the flow of gas through various stages of the biogas upgrading system, as the inlet and outlet valves on biogas storage tanks, or as part of the pipeline distribution networks that transport RNG from production facilities to end-users.
Onyx Pinch Valves and Pressure Sensors
Onyx Valve Company manufactures a variety of modulating and on/off pinch valves suitable for slurry service. Compression-molded sleeves ensure a consistent wall thickness and superior delamination resistance. The sleeves are the sole components that come into direct contact with the media flowing through the pipeline and can be easily replaced for hassle-free maintenance.
Pressure sensors for measuring slurries are also available from Onyx Valve Company. Its ultra-deep vacuum filling provides superior accuracy compared to diaphragm seals and its patented module seal allows instruments to be replaced or calibrated with minimum downtime. They are guaranteed to never clog or plug and no tools are required to change the pressure instrument.
Somas Valves
Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for valves in biogas production and RNG upgrading facilities where the presence of moisture, gases, and corrosive elements is common. Using corrosion resistant valve materials helps to ensure the longevity and reliability of the valves, even in harsh conditions. Somas manufactures stainless acid-proof steel triple offset butterfly valves that provide a flexible and efficient solution for fluid flow regulation. The design of the seat and the unique construction of the disc provide for excellent shut-off. The Somas Triple Offset Butterfly valve is a cost-effective choice for control and on/off applications. Ball segment valves with a free flow design that reduces the risk of clogging are also available from Somas.
SchuF Line Blinds
Engineered with the operator in mind, SchuF offers line-blinding solutions ideal for isolating a specific portion of a pipeline in a quick and safe manner. Their line blinds have proven to greatly reduce maintenance time and replacement costs in various applications. A single person can operate a SchuF Cam-Set line blind without the use of special equipment. With no bolts to loosen or remove, you can achieve an absolute positive safe shut-off in minutes. The following animation demonstrates the operation of the SchuF Cam-Set line blind.
Armour Valve’s Quality Solutions
The adoption of biogas and RNG as a sustainable energy source is a significant step towards a cleaner energy future. Armour Valve recognizes the unique requirements of this industry and provides a range of solutions to meet these needs. Contact us today to discuss your valve and piping requirements and discover how Armour Valve can help you optimize your systems.
