EAST SETAUKET, N.Y.,
Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --
Commissioned in October 2020, the
Raízen biogas power plant in Guariba, Brazil now generates energy using agricultural
by-products. The Penetron System – including PENETRON ARC, an
innovative acid-activated coating specifically designed for
anaerobic and biogas conditions – was specified to ensure a
waterproof and durable solution for the plant's concrete
structures.
The $28 million project, located
in Guariba, in the state of São Paulo, generates 21 MW of installed
capacity, making it one of the largest biogas power plants in the
world. Raízen, the plant owner and operator, utilizes vinasse (slop
leftover from distillation) and filter cake (residue from sugar
cane juice purification), both by-products from sugar cane
processing by an adjacent sugar cane plant. This plant crushes over
5 million tons of sugar cane annually, furnishing an endlessly
renewable energy source for the Raízen biogas power plant.
Biogas energy generation is the result of a complex process. It
begins with biodigesters converting organic matter, such as the
vinasse and filter cake, into methane and CO2 (i.e., biogas). This
biogas is then transformed into clean, electric energy by motor
generators.
"The Raízen project represents a revolution in the use of
agro-industrial waste," explains Cláudio Neves Ourives, Managing
Director of Penetron Brazil. "And it shows the potential of
agricultural waste as a source of clean, renewable energy."
Concrete Waterproofing & Acid Resistance
During the planning stages of the Raízen biogas plant project, the
engineers at Lelis & Arruda Engineering and PROMON, the general
contractor, asked Penetron Brazil to help develop a solution to
protect the plant's concrete structures from both the region's high
water table and the aggressive chemical environment of the biogas
tank.
PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was used
to treat 4,000 m3 (5,000 yds3) of concrete for all the tanks,
including the critical biogas tank. PENEBAR SW-55 swellable
waterstop strips were used to seal the construction joints.
PENETRON, a topical crystalline material, and PENECRETE MORTAR,
were used to seal the tie-holes. PENETRON ARC, an innovative active
mineral protective coating specifically formulated for anaerobic
(and biogas) conditions, was topically applied to the gas zone of
the biogas tank to protect the concrete from attack from sulfuric
acid (H2SO4), a by-product of the biogas generation process.
Increasing Resistance to Acid Attack
The concrete in the Raízen plants biogas tank is regularly exposed
to biogenic sulfuric acid attack, which can quickly deteriorate the
concrete matrix and the embedded reinforcing steel – shortening the
lifespan of the tank. The protective PENETRON ARC coating is
activated when exposed to the aggressive acids, especially the
sulfuric acid found in the Raízen biogas plant.
"When PENETRON ARC reacts to the acids in the biogas tank, it is
transformed into a dense, acid-resistant shell, which actually
helps create a denser, more impenetrable matrix. In fact, strong
acidic environments increase the acid resistance abilities of
PENETRON ARC," explains Cláudio Neves Ourives. "This coating
protects and prolongs the life of the concrete substrate, even in
the harsh conditions of the Raízen biogas tank."
The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty
construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs
and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global
network, offering support to the design and construction community
through its regional offices, representatives and distribution
channels.
For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please
visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email
CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations
Department at 631-941-9700.
Media Contact
Corporate Relations, The Penetron Group, 6319419700,
crdept@penetron.com
SOURCE The Penetron Group