Biogenic acid attack on concretes in biogas plants

Abstract

Concretes in biogas plants (BGP) are subjected to chemical damage through acids which are formed by microbiological processes. Four-year-old grass silage clamp and different concretes samples were analysed. The tests allow statements on the plant-specific damage potential and the performance of the concretes used. Acetic and lactic acids were produced in the grass silage clamp through the microbiologically-induced ensilaging process. Damage decreased inversely with pH despite the presence of rainwater (dilution effect) due to the greater microbiological activity. At pH