One goal for the design was to have a small environmental footprint and, secondly, have minimal safety problems because people will most likely be living in the surrounding areas.

 

This project is being built in a day and age where pollutants are a major concern, especially those connected with global warming. The energy industry and other energy producers in general are infamous for their production of CO2. Because this project is focused on energy production, this was a main consideration in the design of the process. This process does not produce more CO2 than would be naturally produced if the feedstock were left in the fields to decompose. This process uses a renewable resource, so the CO2 produced is used to regenerate the fuel source in the form of new rice crops. Unlike fossil fuel plants, this power generation process fits into a part of the carbon cycle rather than adds to it.

 

 

 

 

The most important thing to note about the reactors is that they are producing a highly flammable gas. This gas is good when the system is working properly and the gas is used in the generators. However, with improper handling, this flammable gas can also be a hazard. Figure 1 shows some recommended safety equipment for standard digester systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A hazard and operability study (HAZOP) was done on the plans for the proposed plan. This analysis involves looking at each step of the process and identifying keep operating variables, such as temperatures or flow rates. Then, deviations from the standard process conditions are considered. These deviations involve increases in temperature or decreases in flow rates. The next step involves brainstorming possible causes for the deviations suggested, and what actions should be taken to prevent such deviations or remedy the situations when they occur. Some deviations may not pose safety or operational hazards and would therefore require no action.