BiogasAgriAtex, new methods of risk assessment explosion on biogas plants

In agricultural farms and biogas plants, the presence of produced greenhouse gases, vapors, mists that are mixed with air under atmospheric conditions may pose a risk of explosion. These possible mixtures are also defined as an explosive atmosphere. To cause an explosion it is necessary the occurrence of a so called 'trigger', which can be for example: a spark due to production processes, a breakdown of the electrical system, an inconsiderate use of open flames or a hot surface in contact with the explosive atmosphere. In absence of such 'triggers' the explosive atmosphere is no longer a possible risk. As specified in the ATEX (Atmosphère Explosible ) regulation, the presence of 'triggers' is expressed on a probabilistic basis. For this probability evaluation, it is necessary to consider the overall available historical data and perform a statistical survey. The aim of this study was to discuss explosion prevention during biogas production and to determine if inside agricultural biogas plants are present areas in which explosive atmospheres may occur. These risk areas should be classified determining several parameters such as the volume of explosive atmosphere (Vz), the risk distance (dz) and the dispersion time (t). For these evaluation was designed a software named BiogasAgriAtex developed in Microsoft Excel program following the CEI 31-35 2007 regulation (third edition), which applies the CEI EN 60079-10 (CEI 31-30) regulation. The main result of this study is a comprehensible program for agricultural companies that defines and manages critical points within biogas production plants