15.02.2005

hf sensor introduces new DS sensors for greenhouse-gas plants

In greenhouse gas plants the biogas output is strongly dependent on the composition and the dry substance (DS) content of biomass. Because the input of most fermenters is not stable but varying, the control unit for the plant plays a major role for the optimization of the gas output. Monitoring the DS content was a task, that could not be solved satisfying until now, especially because of the very time consuming drying process.

hf sensor now introduces a new microwave based measuring system, which was designed especially for use in biogas plants.

Especially when combined with solid biomass due to the use of renewable materials the continous monitoring of the biomass composition becomes essential, because it guarantees optimal environmental conditions for the growth of bacteria. To much or to less DS content leads to reduce biogas production.

Until now, DS measurements are accomplished by oven drying methods. This way of getting DS information has a lot of disadvantages: The measurement can only be done offline, it takes a lot of time and is expensive.

The smart microwave DS process sensor series MWTS helps to overcome these problems. Sensors are pre-configured for mounting at fermenters, vessels or tubes. They are available in several configurations, most of which have no contact to medium under test. Dependent on the material a DS range between 0 and 20% can be covered at an accuracy of 0.3 to 0.5% DS content.

The sensors have different digital and analogous interfaces, so integration in existing control units like PLCs is no problem.

More information?    DS Sensors