DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

The present invention refers to a system for collecting biogas generated from waste.

Background art

In the waste disposal sector, it is known to extract the biogas generated from the natural fermentation of masses of municipal solid waste contained within respective storage tanks and feed the biogas extracted from the storage tanks to a collection system or circuit.

Generally, the collection system comprises a plurality of collection units mounted parallel to each other, each of which comprises a biogas inlet sleeve extracted from a respective storage tank and a biogas feed duct to a collection manifold, which is fluidly connected with feed ducts mounted, together with the collection units, on a metal support structure.

Specifically, the known metal support structures provide for tubular structures are fluidly connected with the rest of the system and in particular with the collection manifold. The tubular structures receive part of the collected biogas making it possible to stabilise and counterbalance the rest of the structure composed of the collection units, as disclosed, for example, in document EP2225052 Al.

Problems of the Prior Art

The known collection systems of the type described above have several drawbacks, mainly resulting from the fact that said collection plants involve construction of the aforementioned support structure and its transport to the place of installation. In addition, the known support structures provide for their preparation according to the number of collection units required on a case-by-case basis and have relatively reduced versatility and flexibility.

In addition to being cumbersome, tubular structures, especially when two or more systems are put in series, increase the overall weight, causing structural problems and the need to reinforce the ground supports. A further disadvantage of using the aforementioned tubular structures is the accumulation of condensation therein, which creates management problems for its disposal as well as an increase in overall weight.

Object of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to realise a system for collecting biogas generated from waste that overcomes the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art.

Specifically, an object of the present invention to provide a compact, lightweight and structurally stable biogas collection system that can also be easily mounted in the field in a modular manner.

The mentioned technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a biogas collection system comprising the technical specifications set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Advantages of the invention

Advantageously, the system according to the present invention makes it possible to reduce the overall size and weight of the system itself.

Advantageously, the system according to the present invention enables a modular combination, thereby reducing the final encumbrance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of an exemplary, but not exclusive, and therefore non-limiting preferred embodiment of a biogas collection system, as illustrated in the appended Figures, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a biogas collection system in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

- Figure 2 shows a side view of the biogas collection system of Figure 1 with some details highlighted with respect to others;

- Figure 3 shows a top view of the biogas collection system of Figure 1;

- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the biogas collection system according to a preferred embodiment when assembled in a modular manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual features disclosed with reference to the specific embodiments shall be understood as accessory to and/or interchangeable with other features disclosed with reference to other embodiments.

The present invention relates to a system for collecting biogas generated from waste.

With reference to the Figures, number 1 indicates, as a whole, a system for collecting biogas generated from the natural fermentation of masses of municipal solid waste (not illustrated) stored in respective storage tanks, known but not illustrated.

The biogas collection system 1 comprises a first collection duct 10 and a second collection duct 20 configured to receive the biogas generated from the storage tanks. The first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 extend respectively along a first direction A-A and a second direction B-B that are parallel to each other. Preferably the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 are parallel to each other. More preferably, the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 are substantially coplanar. It should be noted that the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 are mutually spaced along a separation direction Y-Y, where the separation direction Y-Y is perpendicular to the first direction A-A and the second direction B-B.

Preferably, the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 extend between a first end portion 11, 21 and a second end portion 12, 22 along the first direction A-A and the second direction B-B, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the Figures, the collection ducts 10, 20 comprise several portions 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b, preferably two connected to each other and fluidly separated by means of the interposition of a separating element, as clarified better below. Each portion 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b comprises, at the ends, an annular plate 110 configured to allow mutual connection between the portions 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b by jointing means, such as bolts. Alternatively, the collection ducts 10, 20 are made in one piece and, preferably, have an annular plate 110 at their end portions 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b. The first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 are divided into a plurality of collection units 30. Preferably, the biogas collection system 1 comprises a plurality of collection units 30 (in this case twelve collection units 30) divided over the collection ducts 10, 20. It should be noted that the collection units 30 are equal in number to the number of the aforementioned storage tanks, each unit being associated with a relative storage tank. More preferably, the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 comprise an equal number of collection units 30.

In detail, the collection units 30 are mounted parallel to each other along the collection ducts 10, 20 and are aligned adjacent to each other along the first direction A-A and along the second direction B-B, thus defining respectively the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20.

As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, each collector unit 30 comprises an inlet sleeve 31. The latter can be connected via a duct to the relative storage tank. Specifically, the inlet sleeves 31 of each collection duct 10, 20 are aligned and mechanically connected to each other in series respectively along the first direction A- A and the second direction B-B. In detail, each inlet sleeve 31 is aligned to the sleeves 31 of the other units 30 along the first direction A-A and along the second direction B- B and is mechanically connected to each adjacent sleeve 31.

According to a preferred embodiment, each inlet sleeve 31 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis parallel to the first direction A-A and the second direction B-B.

It should be noted that each inlet sleeve 31 is fluidly separated from each adjacent inlet sleeve 31, preferably by a substantially circular separating element mounted between the two inlet sleeves 31 orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, each inlet sleeve 31 comprises a radial inlet sleeve 33, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis, and is connectable with the relevant storage tank in order to feed the biogas generated by the waste in the storage tank into the inlet sleeve 31. Preferably, each inlet sleeve 31 comprises a lower discharge duct 34, which extends in a direction such as to protrude from the outer surface of the inlet sleeve 31 radially towards the soil/ground support where the biogas collection system 1 is positioned. The lower conduit 34 is configured to discharge the condensate generated by the biogas fed through the inlet sleeve 31 itself to the outside of the collection unit 30.

Each collector unit 30 comprises a feed duct 32 associated with each inlet sleeve 31. Each feed duct 32 is in fluid communication with its inlet sleeve 31 and extends radially outward from its inlet sleeve 31 along an inclined direction of an angle other than 0°, preferably about 30° with respect to a third direction Z-Z perpendicular to the first direction A-A or the second direction B-B and towards the collection duct 10, 20 facing the respective collection duct 20, 10 to which it belongs. It should be noted that the third direction Z-Z is substantially perpendicular to the ground where the biogas collection system 1 is positionable and perpendicular to the separation direction Y-Y.

Specifically, the feed ducts 32 have first feed ducts 33 associated with the first collection duct 10 and second feed ducts 35 associated with the second collection duct 20. The first feed ducts 33 are inclined along a first inclined direction D-D by an angle other than 0°, preferably about 30° with respect to the third direction Z-Z towards the second collection duct 20. Conversely, the second feed ducts 35 are inclined along a second inclined direction E-E by an angle other than 0°, preferably about 30° with respect to the third direction Z-Z towards the first collection duct 10. Preferably, each first feed duct 33 is parallel to the first feed ducts 33 associated with the first collection duct 10 and each second feed duct 35 is parallel to the second feed ducts 35 associated with the second collection duct 20.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each feed duct 32 (indicated below, for the sake of simplicity, with the general number of feed ducts 32) comprises a first portion 32a, a second portion 32b, and a third portion 32c fluidly connected to each other. The first portion 32a is an inlet portion fluidly connected with the relative inlet sleeve 31, the second portion 32b is an intermediate portion between the first portion 32b and the third portion 32c provided with a flow restrictor valve 36 of the known type, and the third portion 32c is an outlet portion extended away from the relative inlet sleeve 31.

With reference to the Figures, the biogas collection system 1 comprises a collection manifold 40 of the biogas fed through the feed ducts 32 from the relative inlet sleeves 31. It should be noted that each feed duct 32 extends respectively from the corresponding inlet sleeve 31 to the collection manifold 40 preferably along its inclined direction. Specifically, the first feed ducts 33 extend along the first inclined direction D-D from the respective inlet sleeve 31 to the collection manifold 40, while the second feed ducts 35 extend along the second inclined direction E-E from the respective inlet sleeve 31 to the collection manifold 40. The collection manifold 40 is parallel to the first A-A and the second direction B-B and is parallel to the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 extending along a direction of development parallel to the first A-A and the second direction B-B. Preferably, the collection manifold 40 extends between a first end portion 41 and a second end portion 42 along the direction of development.

It should be noted that the collection manifold 40 is spaced from the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 along the third direction Z-Z and is arranged in an intermediate position between the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20. According to a preferred embodiment, the collection manifold 40 comprises a main duct 43, which extends along the direction of development parallel to the first A- A or the second B-B direction. Preferably, the main duct 43 comprises one or more portions 44 (two in this specific case) fluidly connected to each other. Preferably, each portion 44 comprises, at its ends, an annular plate 110 configured to enable mutual connection between the portions 44 by jointing means, such as bolts. According to a preferred embodiment, the collection manifold 40 is made in one piece and preferably has a relative annular plate 110 at the end portions 41, 42.

It should be noted that, for each collection duct 32, the collection manifold 40 comprises a secondary duct 45, which extends in the inclined direction respectively along the first inclined direction D-D if facing the first collection duct 10, and along the second inclined direction E-E if facing the second collection duct 20. Specifically, the collection manifold 40 is fluidly connected to each feed duct 32 by means of the secondary ducts 45.

With the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20, the collection manifold 40 determines a biogas collection structure 50. Specifically, the collection structure 50 is defined by the collection manifold 40, the inlet sleeves 31 and the feed ducts 32. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, the collection structure 50 is prism shaped with a triangular base. It should also be noted that, preferably, the collection ducts 10, 20 and the collection manifold 40 have a substantially identical length along their respective directions of development.

In practice, the biogas generated within the aforementioned storage tanks is fed successively through the inlet sleeves 31, along the feed ducts 32 then along the collection manifold 40 and is finally discharged outside the biogas collection system 1 via at least one outlet (not shown) associated with the collection manifold 40. It should be noted that filling the collection ducts 10, 20 and the manifold 40 with the biogas collected facilitates stabilisation of the collection structure 50. Furthermore, the condensate generated by the biogas inside the inlet sleeves 31 is discharged outside the biogas collection system 1 via the corresponding lower discharge ducts 34, avoiding weight increases in the collection structure 50.

The system 1 comprises a first support plate 60 and a second support plate 70 arranged respectively on opposite sides of the collection manifold 40, the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20 along the first A-A and the second B-B directions, preferably also along the direction of development of the collection manifold 40. In other words, as they are parallel to each other, the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70 are spaced along any of the first direction A-A, the second direction B-B and the direction of development. Specifically, the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70 are configured to support and stabilise the collection structure 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70 define a support structure 100 for supporting and stabilising the collection structure 50.

Preferably, the first support plate 60 is configured to connect the first end portions 11, 21, 41 of the first collection duct 10, the second collection duct 20, and the collection manifold 40 rigidly to each other, respectively, while the second support plate 70 is configured to connect the second end portions 12, 22, 42 of the first collection duct 10, the second collection duct 20, and the collection manifold 40 rigidly to each other, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, each end portion 11, 21, 41, 12, 22, 42 has an annular plate 110 to allow the mutual connection of the collection ducts 10, 20 and the collection manifold 40 with the support plates 60, 70 by jointing means, such as bolts. Specifically, each end portion 11, 21, 41, 12, 22, 42 has an annular plate 110 through which the collection ducts 10, 20 and the collection manifold 40 are connected to the support plates 60, 70.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70 are configured to fluidly isolate each inlet sleeve 31 from an external environment at the first end portion 11, 21 and at the second end portion 12, 22 respectively of the first collection duct 10 and the second collection duct 20.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70 have a connection opening 61, 71 at the first end portion 41 and/or the second end portion 42 of the collection manifold 40 configured to put the collection manifold 40 in fluid communication with an adjacent collection manifold 40 or a biogas collection circuit.

Preferably, the system comprises a closing element for plugging the connection opening 61, 71 and directing the biogas to the opposite connection opening 61, 71.

According to a preferred embodiment, each plate 60, 70 comprises a first fitting 91, a second fitting 92, and a third fitting 93, respectively associated with end portions 11, 21, 41, 12, 22, 42 of the first collection duct 10, the second collection duct 20, and the collection manifold 40. Specifically, the first 91 and the second 92 fittings are associated, preferably mechanically, with the inlet sleeves 31 placed at the end portions 11, 21, 12, 22 of the relative collection ducts 10, 20. The first 91 and the second 92 fittings are configured to close fluidly the corresponding inlet sleeve 31. In other words, the plates 60, 70 at the first 91 and the second fitting 92 perform the function of the separating elements allowing each collection unit 30 to be fluidly isolated.

It should also be noted that the plates 60, 70 at the first 91 and second fittings 92 are configured to mechanically connect and fluidly isolate in the manner disclosed above the inlet sleeves 31 belonging to a collecting structure 50 arranged adjacent to a supporting plate 60, 70 of the supporting structure 100 so as to connect in series several collecting structures 50, as also clarified below.

It should be noted that at the first 91 and second connections 92 the collection ducts 10, 20 are mechanically connected to the support plates 60, 70 by means of their respective annular plates 110 and jointing means, for example bolts.

The third fitting 93 is associated with the end portions 41, 42 of the collection manifold 40 and is configured to enable fluid communication with a collection manifold 40 of an adjacent collecting structure 50 or with a biogas collection circuit by way of the connection opening 61, 71. According to a preferred embodiment not shown in the Figures, the third fitting 93 is also configured to fluidly isolate at least one of the two end portions 41, 42 of the collection manifold 40 so as to convey the collected biogas to the open end portion. In other words, in this case, the third connection 93 as well as the relative support plate 60, 70 itself performs the function of the closing element that can be associated with the connection opening 61, 71 for closing the relative opening. It should be noted that, at the third connection 93, the collection manifold 40 is mechanically connected to the support plates 60, 70 by means of its annular plates 110 and jointing means, for example bolts.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70 have a substantially triangular shape. In this way, the support plates 60, 70 are compact and enable correct stress distribution for the collection structure 50.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support plates 60, 70 are made of steel. In this way, it is possible to give the support structure 100 sufficient but limited weight to stabilise the collection structure 50 while avoiding the use of an auxiliary and independent support structure. In addition, the use of steel plates ensures a support structure 100 that is both structurally resistant and cost-effective.

According to a preferred embodiment, the biogas collection biogas collection system 1 comprises a plurality of support devices 80 associated with the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70. Said support devices 80 are configured to ensure proper support of the collection structure 50 on the ground. Preferably, the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70, together with the support devices 80, define the support structure 100 configured to stabilise the collection structure 50 structurally and on the ground (or the soil). It should be noted that each support plate 60, 70 and associated support devices 80 make it possible to support and stabilise a collection structure 50 adjacent to and connected to a relative support plate 60, 70.

Preferably, the biogas collection system 1 comprises a support device 80 associated with each end portion of the collection ducts 10, 20. In other words, each free end of each of the external inlet sleeves 31 at which they are connected to the relative support plates 60, 70 is associated with a support device 80.

Each support device 80 comprises a support element 81 configured to be positioned on the ground (or soil) and define a stable base and a connection element 82 configured to connect the device 80 to the relative support plate 60, 70 and/or to the collection duct 10, 20 at the connection between the support plate 60, 70 and the relative collection duct 10, 20. The support device 80 comprises a box-shaped guide 83 extended along the Z-Z direction between a first end 83a connected to the connection element 82 and a second end 83b connected to the support element 81. It should be noted that the position of the support element 81 and/or of the connecting element 82 along the relative guides 83 in the Z-Z direction is selectively controlled to keep the directions A-A, B-B, Z-Z directions in a horizontal and, respectively, vertical position and thus ensure correct positioning of the biogas collection system 1 on the ground.

Specifically, the support devices 80 are arranged at the first 91 and the second 92 fittings. Preferably, the support devices 80 are associated with the annular plates 110 of the inlet sleeves 31 placed at the ends of the collection ducts 10, 20.

Advantageously, by integrating the collection structure 50 with the support plates 60, 70 as well as with the support structure 100, the biogas collection system 1 has relatively high versatility and flexibility and can be mounted directly at the installation site of the biogas collection system 1, significantly reducing biogas collection system 1 storage and transport costs.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the biogas collection system 1 comprises two or more previously disclosed collection structures 50 arranged adjacent to each other along an alignment direction F-F parallel to the first direction A-A or the second direction B-B. It should be noted that the collection structures 50 are aligned so that the respective collection ducts 10, 20 and the collection manifold 40 are aligned along the respective directions (respectively first direction A- A, second direction B-B and direction of development). Preferably, a first support plate 60 or a second support plate 70 associated with a collection structure 50 is shared between two adjacent collection structures 50.

In other words, the adjacent collection structures 50 share a support plate 60, 70 (which for one collection structure may be defined as a first support plate 60 and for the other may be defined as a second support plate 70). For the sake of simplicity, in what follows the common support plate is indicated with the number 200, as also shown in Figure 4. This common support plate 200 is configured to support and connect to each other the end portions of the collection ducts 10, 20 and the collection manifold 40 of two adjacent collection structures 50. The opposite end portions of the collection ducts 10, 20 and the collection manifold 40 of the two adjacent collection structures 50 are supported and connected by the respective first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70. In turn, the first support plate 60 and the second support plate 70 are to be considered to be in common if an additional collection structure 50 is connected adjacent to one of the two collection structures having the support plate 200 in common.

In this way, the adjacent collection structures 50 are mechanically connected in series by means of the first common support plate 200 and fluidly connected by means of the relative collection manifolds 40 so as to convey the biogas collected. In fact, the connection opening 61, 71 enables the fluid connection of adjacent collection manifolds 40. It should be noted that the collection ducts 10, 20 and the collection manifolds 40 of the adjacent collection structures 50 are mechanically connected to the common support plate 200 by jointing means, for example bolts. Furthermore, it should be noted that, at the common support plate 200, the biogas collection system 1 provides the relevant support devices 80, which again are to be considered in common for the two adjacent collection structures 50. It is worth emphasising that support devices 80 are also associated on opposite sides of the collection ducts 10, 20 with respect to the common support plate 200. In other words, the biogas collection system 1 is configured to support and connect multiple collection structures 50 sharing a support plate 200 and associated support devices 80 while maintaining unaltered the opposite side to the common support plate 200, as disclosed above. Thanks to this commonality, the biogas collection system 1 saves material, space and weight. It should be noted that, in this way, a modular biogas collection system can be defined.