Besides support and maintenance service for own anaerobic digestion (AD) plants, the Netherlands-headed biomass and biogas specialists HoSt offers third-party maintenance service. Commissioned by Adapt Biogas Ltd, (previously known as BioCow Ltd), the HoSt Service & Maintenance UK team helped with refurbishing the digesters at the Murrow AD plant in the UK and installed new double membrane roofs.
The digesters were constructed in 2014 during the first stage of the site construction. AD plant maintenance is an important and inevitable service function for efficient biogas production.
According to HoSt, the project was a prime example of collaboration. Adapt Biogas carried out essential work such as the preparation of the replacement of the old single membrane roofs, which included emptying and degassing of the digesters, and the degritting and cleaning of the tanks.
The digester degrit project was a very exciting but busy period for us at Adapt biogas. We have spent lots of time and effort on the recent expansion at our flagship site and it is great to see the original parts of the AD receiving the maintenance and reconditioning needed. We have always worked well alongside the HoSt team; this project has been no exception. The communication, planning, and expertise between the two companies has been particularly beneficial in ensuring reduced downtime within our AD plant, said Sophie Swan, operations manager at Adapt Biogas.
Double membrane roofs
HoSt followed with adaptions to the tank to fit the new double membrane roofs. The new double membrane roofs can withstand all weather conditions ensuring optimal biogas production and a secured renewable energy supply to the UK gas grid.
Another major advantage, in comparison with single membrane roofs, is the steady curve of these roofs due to the continuous airflow between the two membranes. When the gas pressure in the roofs is less, the roofs keep their curve preventing cracks or damage.
With these new roofs, the digester tanks also received HoSt pressure relief valves, gas pressure sensors, and digestate level sensors, fitted in each tank.
Where our planned maintenance as part of maintenance contracts allows us to create, maintain, and schedule maintenance, this project is a great example of a third-party maintenance service when we are not the EPC contractor of the biogas plant. Our experience combined with the professionalism and AD experience of Adapt Biogas ensured very smooth and controlled project management. Effective communication between all parties involved and emphasis on safety guidelines were major factors in achieving this, said Koen Verstraeten, Project Manager Service at HoSt.
