Fiberglass Protection for Biogas Recovery in Industrial Food Production Case Study
Shelter Works recently worked with Complete Filtration Resources, a company that custom-engineers wastewater treatment solutions for dairy process systems, to supply five custom fiberglass enclosures for an industrial food production facility. The enclosures protect Complete Filtration's specialized pump system, which is used in anaerobic digestion and methane gas processing for biogas recovery. The system generates renewable biogas that feed the facility's production boilers, offsetting energy costs. The custom-built fiberglass shelters meet rigorous specifications, ensuring durability in harsh environments and adherence to safety standards.
Mixing Pump Enclosures
Two shelters measure 10' x 20' x 8' and are custom-engineered to house large digester mixing pumps, each serving 1-million-gallon anaerobic digesters. The first shelter protects a digester mixing pump that agitates and circulates organic material within the tank, promoting efficient microbial digestion and maximizing biogas output. The second shelter houses a high-strength equalization tank mixing pump, which maintains optimal conditions within the tank while ensuring compliance with Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality standards.
The mixing pumps are crucial for sustaining efficient gas production, and the fiberglass enclosures protect them from weather-related wear, extending the efficiency and lifespan of the pumps. The shelters also house sample ports on the piping that the operators take samples from throughout the day. Having climate-controlled enclosures prevents the sample area from freezing during the cold winter months.
Shelters For Biogas Blowers
The remaining three shelters, measuring 6' x 6' x 6', protect biogas blowers that transfer biogas (methane and carbon dioxide) from the digesters back to the production plant's boilers as a renewable fuel source. By enclosing these blower units, the shelters help mitigate weather-related risks and maintain stable temperatures, allowing for smooth operation and easy access to critical instrumentation.
These shelters are too small for a standard door, so access to equipment is achieved through a custom 4' x 4' single door. Technicians can also access the equipment via a removable roof.
All five shelters have explosion-proof electrical packages that include heaters to prevent freezing and maintain consistent conditions within the enclosures. The wiring is C1D2 compliant to minimize the risk of igniting hazardous gases.
Benefits of Fiberglass in Biogas Applications
Fiberglass is an ideal building material for biogas applications. Fiberglass shelters resist corrosion, which is essential when dealing with corrosive gases that can lead to rapid degradation in less durable materials. Fiberglass also withstands extreme temperatures and moisture, making it perfect for Midwest climates where winter freezing and summer heat are concerns. Fiberglass enclosures also require less maintenance and upkeep than other traditional building materials, resulting in a lower lifetime cost of ownership.
Shelter Works' fiberglass enclosures offered Complete Filtration Resources a tailored solution that enhances the longevity and operability of their equipment. With built-in heating, explosion-proof safety features, and a robust design, these shelters enable year-round functionality and reliability, essential for uninterrupted biogas production at this food production facility. By choosing Shelter Works, Complete Filtration Resources gained a long-term, durable protective solution supporting their sustainability and safety commitment.