Clogged Discharge Pipes for Digest Tank at Biogas Plant

One of the farms in the Philippines have built a Digester Tank for Biogas Power Plant with size of 60 meters x 80 meters x 5.0 meters deep. The tank itself consists of nie(9) individual distribution headers with size 3200 mm long and 160 mm diam. which are used as discharge piping received from several pig pens wastewater. In the process, the discharge pipings in the digester tank have experienced clogging which requires servicing every two (2) months. Our concern is that does this present situation normal for this condition ? If not, how long is the normal interval before declogging is necessary for a digester tank of this capacity ? What are the conditions attributable to such ? And if the situation be corrected, what are the areas we need to put emphasis with or make changes.

The said farm is situated in Sta. Maria, Province of Bulacan (Philippines) with approximately 500 sows (female pigs) population, and a total of 4,500 pigs. There were no measurement of wastewater flow to the digester tank taken prior to the construction.

We will thankful if you can help us on this matter. May we look forward in hearing from you recommendations for such condition and should you need to have information regarding the above, please feel free to let us know so as they can be acted upon immediately at our end.

Thank you and I remain