Indaver: Odour nuisance significantly reduced

About the Project

More odour nuisance than anticipated; unfortunately, that was the case at Indaver’s Bio Power Alphen GFT digester, located in Alphen aan den Rijn. At this facility, Indaver processes organic waste into biogas and raw materials. Although the transport belts were enclosed at the top, an unpleasant smell was still noticeable in the surrounding area. This needed to be addressed, and the odour emissions had to be reduced to a level that no longer caused disturbance.

Vicoma was commissioned to investigate potential solutions. A complicating factor: there were virtually no existing drawings of the steel structure.

Vicoma’s Role

To digitally capture the current site conditions, Vicoma used a 3D scanner. The scan of the external structure provided detailed insight into the existing framework. Using a clash check, we were able to visually assess whether the proposed modifications would interfere with the existing structure.

Vicoma explored three different design options to identify the most effective solution. We performed structural calculations for both the new and existing steelwork, as well as for the concrete foundations and pile supports. In addition, we were closely involved in the final fabrication and installation stages.

Result

The odour nuisance was significantly reduced by locally enclosing the transport belts and installing a new extraction system. The outcome has been clear; literally. The adjustments achieved the intended results, and the air has since cleared.