German-based Witt-Gasetechnik (Witt), with subsidiary companies and partners in North and South America, has introduced a range of high quality stainless steel, non-return valves for biogas applications. This contribution has potential benefits to the supply of energy on a global scale.
In order to attain natural gas quality, one of the requirements of biogas energy is desulphurisation, typically using oxygen. The safety and economics of this desulphurisation process are optimized by using non-return valves, which prevent the formation of flammable mixtures. Non-return valves allow the oxygen entrance in one direction and prevent the return of biogas into the air supply line leading to the compressor. Witt’s ‘600 ES’ valves have gained DVGW approval (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) for meeting this application. The valves are also specially developed for corrosive environments.
The use of high quality stainless steel, as well as an integrated dirt filter, contributes to the valves’ long service life. Moreover, their response at very low opening pressures is also key to their benefits. The low pressure losses between the compressor and tank enable the use of smaller compressors and small pipe cross sections, thereby boosting economic viability.