SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland (Nov. 13, 2014) – Xylem Inc. was presented with a Silver Medal Innovation Award from the German agriculture organization Deutsche Landwirtschafts Gesellschaft (DLG) at the Bioenergy Decentral Fair, which took place at Hanover Fairground, Nov. 11-14. The Xylem team, led by Dr. Eilert Balssen, was presented with the award for developing a product concept for a unique fermenter heat exchanger,* which is based on the Flygt Submersible Mixer, mixing technology for the biogas renewable energy and wastewater treatment industries.
Biogas digesters have a high heat demand that requires a constant temperature of 40 C in order for bacteria to produce biogas. Today’s heating systems in a digester involve heating pipes mounted close to, or inside, the wall of the digester. The flow of the medium during mixing is very low on the wall, so many pipes are necessary.
Xylem’s product concept involves an integrated mounting of a compact heat exchanger with the high-efficiency Flygt mixer in the biogas digester, positioning the heat exchanger just in front of the mixer where the highest flow and heat transfer within the biogas digester is guaranteed.
This unit, consisting of a fermenter heater and submersible mixer, can be installed without major structural outlay and can be retrofitted in existing tanks.
“At Xylem, we strive to develop innovative, energy-efficient solutions to customers’ key challenges related to water and renewable energy,” said Dr. Annita Nerses, general manager and director of the Biological Treatment business segment. “We are delighted that the significant potential of our new product idea has been recognized with this award.”
Xylem is a global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings.
*Patent pending