While performing the 1st stage of the energy and technology audit, from the viewpoint of Contractor’s staff, it was detected that the diameter of the pipeline for fermentation gases disposal out of fermenters to the collector is not enough.
Resistance of the pipe lines of fermentation gases was so HIGH that the BACK PRESSURE of fermentation gases occurred in fermenters. Excess of carbon dioxide depresses vital activity of yeast cells and reduces the yield of ethanol from wash.
The Contractor considers it VITAL to sort out the pipe lines of fermentation gases for gas “discharging” and excluding pressure rise above atmospheric in the fermenters.
Reconstruction of the pipelines of fermentation gases HAS to be done alongside with reconstruction of K-201 alcohol scrubber of 600mm in diameter, due to the fact that operated alcohol scrubber does not provide “free” fermentation gases emission into the atmosphere; due to the high speed in scrubber resection, the required effect of ethanol vapour interception is evidently not provided, it is emitted into the atmosphere and increases non-production losses of ethanol.
Development of project design documentation, including that for alcohol scrubber reconstruction, must be done prior to measure implementation. Based on preliminary calculations, the needed effect of ethanol vapour interception in exhausting fermentation gases will be provided by an additional column section of the scrubber, which is to be equipped with 10 EDV® valve-type trays of 1200 mm in diameter and tray spacing of 250 mm.
Volume of investments for measure implementation is calculated according to the similar project data. Implementation of the suggested measure together with 7.1.7 measure implementation itself makes it possible to shorten fermentation time up to 72 hours, which guarantees achieving “unaccounted” economic benefit.
