Abstract
Introduction: The introduction to this paper deals with the question of defining fire-prevention distances for constructions in a modern energy enterprise operating on alternative energy sources, which can also simultaneously produce gas, electricity and heat from agricultural waste. The purpose, object and subject of the research are defined, and the basic methods used during the scientific work are presented. The analysis of the process of biogas production technology, which includes the indication of the most dangerous technological structure in the biogas production complex also involves an analysis of the existing means of fire protection, including the main technological equipment.
Methodology: The first part of the article gives a general description of the object, its constructive elements and scenarios of the emergence of a hazardous situation, which can lead to a fire or explosion in the fermenters. The effect of the size of the hole through which the gas flows and burns on the diameter of the flame and its temperature, creating a hazard for adjacent structures, was investigated. The results of calculations of the excess pressure of the explosion of biogas in the fermenter, which can occur as a result of an emergency situation, are demonstrated. The integrity of the fermenter elements was determined in the conditions of an excess explosion pressure, and the effect of the excess explosion pressure on the calculation of safe distances was demonstrated. The main part of the article defines the type of deformation in the main structural elements of the most dangerous structure in the complex (complete or partial destruction or damage) and, to a reasonable extent, the consequences to which this destruction can lead. The effect of the size of the hole through which the gas flows and burns on the diameter of the flame and its temperature, which creates a hazard for adjacent structures, was investigated. Using the “FlowVision 2.5” software packages and “MathCaD” software suites, the schemes of impact of the main forces on the elements of the fermenter’s biogas plants and the graphical models of the development of combustion in the fermenter during a possible fire, including the initial stage of burning and the fire climax, are presented. Based on the results of calculations for the scenario of the most dangerous accident, the maximum possible values of the height and radius of the flame, the cross-sectional area of the flame and the flame temperature are determined. The algorithm for calculating the safe distances between fermenters for the production of biogas is given. A justification for the minimum fire distances between the fermenters for the safe operation of the biogas production is given.
Results: The final part contains the main results of the research, in particular, of the actual scientific and practical task of ensuring explosion safety in biogas production. Furthermore, the method of estimating the safe distances between the fermenters for biogas production is substantiated. Conclusions on the results of scientific work are presented and a list of literary sources used by the authors is indicated.
Keywords: fire safety, fermenter, biogas, fire distance, fire breaks, fire modeling
Type of article: original scientific article