On Hokkaido in Japan, a farmer has replaced the existing mixers in his biogas plant with Landia GasMix.
The previous mixers struggled to handle slurry containing straw, sand and other solids. Servicing was also a major undertaking because the tank had to be emptied before the mixers could be removed.
With Landia GasMix, there are no moving or wearing parts inside the tank. The system consists of two floor-mounted 18.5 kW Landia Chopper Pumps and venturi nozzles. The biomass is recirculated and returned to the tank, ensuring thorough mixing throughout.
At the same time, the Chopper Pumps break down larger and heavier particles, and the pumps only need to run for 15 minutes per hour.
Because the components requiring service are located outside the tank, maintenance can be carried out without having to empty it first.
Reliable operation is essential on Hokkaido
The biogas plant is located in a remote area of Hokkaido, where reliable equipment is particularly important. Fergus Clark, Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific at Landia, explains:
“In an area like this, reliable equipment is essential. Many mixers perform well in less demanding applications, but at a biogas plant they need to be designed for the job. Otherwise, they cannot properly handle the sand, straw and solids that come with the biomass.”
Excess heat is used in the cow sheds
The biogas plant also produces heat, which the farmer can use in the cow sheds during Hokkaido’s cold winters. Excess renewable energy can also be sold to the grid.
Fergus Clark continues:
“With an efficient and reliable mixing system, the farmer now has a well-functioning biogas plant where excess heat can be used in the cow sheds during Hokkaido’s very cold winters. At the same time, excess renewable energy can be sold to the grid.”
GasMix at a glance
Why were the previous mixers replaced?
They struggled to handle slurry containing sand, straw and solids. The tank also had to be emptied whenever the mixers needed servicing or repair.
How does Landia GasMix work at the plant?
The system uses two 18.5 kW Landia Chopper Pumps and venturi nozzles to recirculate and mix the contents of the tank. At the same time, the Chopper Pumps break down larger and heavier particles.
How is the GasMix system serviced?
There are no moving or wearing parts inside the tank. This means that servicing and maintenance can be carried out outside the tank without having to empty it first.
