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A fixed-dome
(http://www.fao.org/docrep/T0541E/T0541E0E.GIF)
type biodigester.
Fixed dome digester
From Appropedia
Fixed dome digesters are one of the most well-known wet-fermentation biogas generators
in the world. These simple, typically underground generators originated in China circa
1936
[1]
. Due to their relative simplicity and use of readily
available materials both as fuel and in construction, fixed dome
digesters have become increasingly popular throughout the world.
The typical structure of a fixed dome digester consists of an inlet
trough, a lower fermenting reservoir with a rigid, immovable
collection dome capping it, and some type of overflow relief.
Several different types of fixed dome digesters exist, but by far
the most popular is the Chinese design, which is typically built of
gas-sealed brick and mortar or cement.
The simple design of a fixed-dome digester and its lack of moving parts means that if
constructed well, the structure will last for many years. However, the design is by nature
inaccessible due to its (usually) underground construction, and its lack of moving parts
means that access to the interior of the digester (say for cleaning and maintenance
purposes) is extremely difficult. Since the methane gas inside the collection chamber is
being pushed out only by the pressure of other methane, the gas pressure coming out of
the collector is subject to large fluctuations, making it unsuitable to use for cooking, or
other applications requiring a steady stream of gas flow, without an additional regulating
device
[2]
.
Contents
1 Pros
2 Cons
3 Comparisons to other digester types
4 Types of Fixed Dome Digesters
5 Notes and references
6 See also
Pros
Sturdy and possible to build from cheap, inexpensive materials
Unobtrusive- typically buried.
Well insulated. The underground design combined with typically porous building
materials allows the biodigester to remain at a productive temperature for longer.
Cons
Skilled bricklayers needed to construct a usable gas collection dome
Entire structure must be airtight in order to keep collected methane from escaping
Typically underground construction limits accessibility and repair
If cold and not internally heated, insulated design increases time to produce methane
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each day
Gas outlet subject to large pressure fluctuations
Gas leaks become frequent as the structure ages
Comparisons to other digester types
vs. Floating drum digesters
Similar gas output
Poorer pressure consistency
Easier to maintain (no corrosion)
Much harder to gauge amount of gas available for use
Typically less expensive
Better insulated, option for internal heating
Higher life expectancy
vs. Polyethelene Tube Digester
Less versatile (harder to adapt structure for increased use)
More expensive, materials more difficult to source
Higher pressure gas outlet
Higher life expectancy
Less obtrusive
Much more complicated, less suitable for experimental/trial operations
Harder to maintain but more durable
Types of Fixed Dome Digesters
Chinese fixed dome: The original. Some five million have been built in China since
the 1930s.
Janata model (obsolete): An Indian-built fixed-dome digester. Discontinued due to
flawed construction methodology consistently leading to cracks in the gas-holding
dome and subsequent leakage.
Deenbanhdu model: Successor to the Janata model, simplifies the silo-shape of the
Chinese fixed dome fermentation chamber/gas collector down to a hemispherical
dome.
CAMARTEC: Simplest design of the fixed-dome digesters. Hemispherical fermentation
chamber/gas collector with a rigid base.
[3]
Notes and references
1. http://www.biogassa.co.za/digesters.html
2. http://fastonline.org/CD3WD_40/BIOGSHTM/EN/APPLDEV/DESIGN/DIGESTYPES.HTML
3.
https://energypedia.info/index.php/Types_of_Biogas_Digesters_and_Plants#cite_note-
TBW-0
See also
Biogas
Floating drum biogas digestor
Polyethelene Tube Digester
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Page was last modified 08:12, 8 February 2013. Based on work by Joe Turner, Camille
Penny and Derek I.
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