Hazardous Area Classification For Anaerobic Digestion
OTECSA Consulting have supported the BioCapital group of anaerobic digestion sites across Scotland with DSEAR Risk Assessments and Hazardous Area Classification updates.
The BioCapital group of sites includes facilities at Barkip, Ayrshire, Energen Biogas, Cumbernauld and Earnside Energy, Perth. Each of these sites differs in production processes and feedstocks. However, all of the sites produce biogas through anaerobic digestion activity in large tanks called ‘digesters’. Biogas produced on sites like these is used on-site for production of combined heat and power in gas turbines. Thus, powering and heating the site operations. Gas not required on-site can either be exported to the electricity grid through the CHP turbine operations. This can be as electrical output or it can be injected into the gas network following an upgrade with propane gas and through a gas entry unit.
Anaerobic digestion facilities all have unique features and are regulated under the DSEAR Regulations due to the presence of flammable gases produced in the production process.
DSEAR is required wherever there is combustible dust material or flammable liquids, vapours or gases either handled or produced. In this case, the digestion process produced a mixed gas of methane and carbon dioxide which is useful due to its flammable properties. Hazardous area classification is needed to calculate zoned areas to allow for correct selection of ATEX Rated equipment. DSEAR risk assessments are required to provide an understanding of site DSEAR controls required to minimise risks to personnel from fire and explosion scenarios.
The anaerobic digestion industry is a rapidly evolving industry. We are proud to play our part in keeping these sites safe and compliant with our practical and pragmatic process, safety and risk advice that we deliver through our consultancy services. As with many of our clients, we began working with BioCapital group sites at one facility. This then evolved over time to cover various of their production sites due to the quality of delivery and responsiveness of our service.
