Stainless steel in biogas production
Estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate that energy production from biomass and waste will nearly double between 2009 and 2035. The average growth rate is expected to be 2.5%. Except for hydroelectricity, energy from biomass is among the cheapest forms of renewable energy. When biomass is compared to non-renewable forms its cost is similar. But it is reasonable to expect that the cost of energy from biomass will fall as the technology improves.
Properly specified stainless steel grades can withstand the corrosive materials in a biogas plant. Therefore, stainless steels are typically used in digesters, pumps and valves, agitators, pipes and fittings and purification applications.
Key advantages of stainless steel for biogas production:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- No need for protective coatings or a corrosion allowance
- Low maintenance which minimises lost revenue due to process downtime
- Long service
- Quick installation
- Residual value at end of life
