Stuck gas cocks
Leaky gas pipe
Sudden loss of gas
Pulsating gas pressure
Malfunctioning gas appliances
Structural damage
corrosion
corrosion, inferior workman-
ship
- broken gas line
- blown-off water trap
- open gas cock
water in the gas pipe
plugged-up gas pipe
cf. chapter 5.5.3
cf. table 7.1
apply oil, ,operate repeatedly
repair
repair
refill with water
close
pump out the pipe, relocate that
section of pipe
push rod through pipe
cf. chapter 5.5.3
cf. table 7.1
Table 7.5: Potential repair situations for simple biogas plants (Source: OEKOTOP)
Damage
Damaged masonry and
rendering
Damaged or broken
inlet/outlet pipe
Damaged/leaky fixed-dome
plants
Damaged/corroded
gasholder
Broken guide frame
Leaky/broken/corroded gas
pipe
Damaged valves/fittings
Damaged gas appliances
Detection
Inspection of open plant,
subsiding slurry level,
(see above)
Gas seal test, visual
inspection of open plant
High gas losses, seal test
Remedial measures
Inspect the plant and repair any
seal test damage; tear down the
plant if large cracks are found
Replace pipe, repair connection to
masonry
Repair rendering, renew seal
coatings
Replace gasholder, renew weldings
Tilted/immobile gasholder
High gas losses, gas seal test
of pipe
Functional inspection
Functional inspection
Remove gasholder, repair guide
frame
Locate damage, repair or replace
as necessary
as a rule: replace
cf. "Gas appliances"
7.5 Safety measures
Biogas is a combustible, explosive gas. Its safe handling and use can be ensured, or at least
promoted, by:
- educational measures and operating instructions
- good, careful planning and execution
- timely detection of damage and gas leaks
- installation of safety equipment
Safety aspects of planning and implementation
The following basic rules should be adhered to:
- plant located outside of buildings used for other purposes, e.g. stablings
- underground installation of pipes
- no use of hoses
- careful installation and regular inspection of gas pipes
- regular inspection of gas appliances
- good ventilation of rooms containing gas appliances without safety pilots
- installation of safety stop valves
- one directly on the plant, and another on each appliance.
94