DIY Biogas Scrubbers: A Comprehensive Guide

DIY Biogas Scrubbers: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Issue with the Current Scrubbers
3. Upgrading to Water Filters 3.1 Benefits of Water Filters 3.2 Cost-effectiveness 3.3 Sealing and Visibility
4. Changing the Gas Line Setup 4.1 Reducing UV Exposure 4.2 Adjusting Piping 4.3 Placing Scrubbers and Gas Bag
5. Making the Filters 5.1 Reversing the Flow 5.2 Assembling the Filters
6. Attaching the Filters to the Wall 6.1 Using Wall Mounts 6.2 Securing the Pipes 6.3 Adding an Inline Stop
7. Connecting the Gas Line
8. Filling the Filters 8.1 Water Fill 8.2 Cat Litter Desiccator 8.3 Iron Wall
9. Testing the Setup
10. Conclusion

Upgrading to Water Filters for Better Performance

The current scrubbers in the house's digester system are not functioning optimally. The lack of visibility into the solid scrubbers makes it challenging to identify the exact issue. Therefore, a decision has been made to replace the scrubbers with water filters. This article will guide you through the process of upgrading the scrubbers and improving the overall efficiency of the system.

Introduction

A reliable digester system is crucial for efficient waste management. However, when the scrubbers fail to effectively purify gas, it becomes necessary to explore alternative solutions. This brings us to the idea of using water filters as scrubbers. In the following sections, we will discuss the limitations of the current scrubbers, the advantages of water filters, and the step-by-step process of implementing the upgrade.

The Issue with the Current Scrubbers

The current scrubbers are solid, making it impossible to identify and address any internal issues. This lack of transparency hampers the system's performance and requires frequent maintenance. To overcome this challenge, the decision has been made to switch to water filters.

Upgrading to Water Filters

3.1 Benefits of Water Filters

Water filters offer several advantages over solid scrubbers. Firstly, their transparent nature allows for easy monitoring of gas flow and bubbling. This visibility enables quick detection of any problems that may arise during the purification process. Additionally, water filters provide a larger surface area for gas-liquid interaction, enhancing the efficiency of the gas purification.

3.2 Cost-effectiveness

Water filters are also cost-effective compared to traditional scrubbers. With an average cost of only 15 pounds per filter, they provide a cost-efficient solution for gas purification. Considering their effectiveness and durability, the investment in water filters offers long-term benefits.

3.3 Sealing and Visibility

Water filters come pre-sealed, ensuring the integrity of the gas purification system. The sealed design prevents leaks and ensures efficient gas flow. Moreover, their transparent structure allows for a clear view of the gas bubbling process, facilitating easy troubleshooting if needed.

Changing the Gas Line Setup

Before installing the water filters, it is essential to reconfigure the gas line setup to optimize the system's performance.

4.1 Reducing UV Exposure

To prevent UV damage, the gas line will be redirected through the roof into a shed. This relocation will shield the gas line from direct sunlight, thereby increasing its longevity.

4.2 Adjusting Piping

The existing piping connected to the old scrubbers will be removed. This step is necessary to accommodate the placement of the new water filters on the wall. By removing unnecessary piping, a cleaner and more organized setup can be achieved.

4.3 Placing Scrubbers and Gas Bag

The water filters will be installed on the wall, adjacent to the gas line. The gas bag will be positioned on the floor beneath the filters for easy collection of purified gas. This arrangement ensures efficient gas flow and easy maintenance.

Making the Filters

Now that the gas line setup is optimized, it is time to assemble the water filters.

5.1 Reversing the Flow

Water filters are originally designed for water filtration, but they can be repurposed for gas scrubbing. To reverse the flow, the out pipe of the filters will serve as the in pipe for gas purification. This modification allows optimal gas interaction with the water inside the filters.

5.2 Assembling the Filters

The tops of the water filters need to be removed to access the pipe connections. With the help of brass adapters, the filters can be screwed together to form a continuous flow path for the gas. Bubble rocks, commonly used in fish tanks, will be attached to the bottom of each filter to create small gas bubbles, facilitating gas-liquid interaction.

Attaching the Filters to the Wall

To ensure stability and efficient gas flow, proper attachment of the water filters to the wall is necessary.

6.1 Using Wall Mounts

Wall mounts, specifically designed for the filters, will be used to secure them in place. These mounts provide a stable foundation, preventing any unwanted movement or dislodging.

6.2 Securing the Pipes

The pipes connecting the filters will be securely attached using fittings from the old scrubbers. Brass adapters will connect the two ends of the filters, allowing for a seamless flow of gas.

6.3 Adding an Inline Stop

To enhance convenience and control over gas flow, an inline stop valve can be incorporated. This feature allows gas flow to be easily halted when required, simplifying maintenance and troubleshooting.

Connecting the Gas Line

With the water filters securely attached, the gas line can now be connected to complete the purification system.

Filling the Filters

Before testing the upgraded system, the filters need to be filled with specific substances to facilitate gas purification.

8.1 Water Fill

The initial filling of the filters with water ensures proper contact between gas and liquid. This step prepares the filters for the subsequent filling of desiccators.

8.2 Cat Litter Desiccator

To remove moisture from the gas, cat litter will be added as a desiccator in the filters. The cat litter acts as an absorbent, minimizing the water content in the gas.

8.3 Iron Wall

An iron wall, designed to scrub hydrogen sulfide from the gas, will be placed in each filter. This component ensures the removal of unwanted impurities, further purifying the gas.

Testing the Setup

With all components in place, it is time to test the performance of the upgraded system. Open all valves and check for sufficient gas bubbling. If necessary, provide additional feeding to the system for optimal gas production.

Conclusion

The upgrade from solid scrubbers to water filters provides a superior gas purification system. The transparency, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of water filters make them an excellent choice for any digester system. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can enhance the performance and reliability of your own system. Enjoy the benefits of a well-functioning digester with improved gas scrubbing capabilities.

Highlights:

• Upgrading from solid scrubbers to water filters for better gas purification.
• Benefits of using water filters, including transparency, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Changing the gas line setup to optimize performance and reduce UV exposure.
• Step-by-step instructions for making and attaching the water filters.
• Filling the filters with water, cat litter desiccators, and iron walls to enhance gas purification.
• Testing the system and ensuring efficient gas flow.

FAQ:

Q: Why are the current scrubbers not working well? A: The solid nature of the scrubbers makes it difficult to identify and address internal issues, hampering their performance.

Q: What are the benefits of water filters over solid scrubbers? A: Water filters offer transparency for monitoring gas flow, cost-effectiveness, and increased efficiency in gas purification.

Q: How can I optimize the setup with water filters? A: By redirecting the gas line, securing the filters to the wall, and using proper fittings and attachments, the setup can be optimized for better performance.

Q: What substances are used to fill the water filters? A: The filters are filled with water, cat litter desiccators to remove moisture, and iron walls to scrub hydrogen sulfide from the gas.

Q: How can I test the performance of the upgraded system? A: Open all valves and check for sufficient gas bubbling. Adjust feeding if necessary for optimal gas production.