In biogas production plants, gas and process-air handling is a critical element: from the blower conveying the biogas to the fans managing combustion air and cooling, every machine must ensure reliability, safety and operational continuity. Choosing the right blower means evaluating several technical factors. Let’s see which ones.
1. Required flow rate and pressure
The first criterion is the operating point: how much flow rate (m³/h) and what pressure (mbar) are needed. For biogas conveying and pressurization, where high pressures are required, the MICO multistage centrifugal blowers reach up to 1000 mbar with flow rates up to 4,500 m³/h. For high-pressure applications, the SAB series offers a robust and proven alternative.
2. The nature of the gas: composition and treatment
Biogas mainly consists of methane (CH₄, 50-75%) and carbon dioxide (CO₂, 25-50%), with traces of moisture and other components. SAVIO blowers are designed for handling purified biogas — already treated upstream to remove moisture and corrosive compounds — ensuring optimal working conditions and long component life.
SAVIO also provides solutions for upgrading plants, where biogas is refined into biomethane by separating CO₂ from methane, reaching the quality required for grid injection or vehicle fuel. In these applications, blower selection must account for the specific process conditions of each treatment stage.
3. ATEX safety
Biogas is flammable: the plant areas where it is present are classified as potentially explosive atmospheres. Machines must therefore be available in an ATEX version. SAVIO blowers are available in ATEX execution for Zone 1 and Zone 2 — an essential requirement for operating safely and in compliance with regulations.
4. Fluid temperature
The inlet gas temperature must be checked. Standard blowers operate up to +80 °C; for higher temperatures, special executions are available. In a biogas plant this is particularly relevant downstream of the cogeneration unit.
5. Noise and installation
High-pressure blowers can exceed 80 dB(A). For installations near work areas or outdoors, accessories such as soundproof cabins (average reduction ~15 dB(A)), silencers and vibration-damping couplings are often essential.
Not only blowers: the entire air/gas line
A complete biogas plant requires several machines: multistage blowers for the gas, centrifugal fans for extraction and combustion air, axial fans for cooling and ventilation of technical rooms. Relying on a single manufacturer able to supply the entire range simplifies design and ensures compatibility between components.
The SAVIO experience
Since 1945, SAVIO has designed and manufactured industrial blowers and fans in Italy. For the biogas sector we offer MICO multistage blowers, SAB high-pressure blowers and a complete range of centrifugal and axial fans, all available in ATEX version and with custom executions based on the application.
Do you have a biogas plant to equip? Request a quote and our technical department will help you choose the most suitable machine.
