A neutral commission of experts appointed by DLG has awarded Silver Medals for altogether six innovations selected on the basis of strict criteria from the altogether over 30 submissions:

• “PlanET eco ® twinfix”
  
  PlanET Biogastechnik GmbH, Vreden, Germany, Hall 22, Stand A05
  
  For years now, PlanET has been offering the clamp hose system for fixing gas storage membranes and double membrane covers, which is interesting from the maintenance and labour management aspects. Up to three times more load can be absorbed with PlanET's award-winning further development of the clamp rail. This not only increases operating reliability and safety, but also simplifies the installation of larger gas storage capacities that are a prerequisite for needs-oriented electricity generation.

• “UTS S.M.A.Rt- System”
  
  UTS Products GmbH, Lippetal OT Niederbauer, Germany, Hall 25, 
  
  Stand L30
  
  The UTS S.M.A.Rt system aims not only to steer the stirring process in the fermenter, but also to regulate it actively. Sensor technology installed in/on the stirring system, records the torque, flow rate and position. An evaluation unit picks up these measurements and steers not only the speed, but also the height and side adjustment of the agitator. During agitator operation this generates measurements that are used directly to optimise the agitator settings. In addition to labour management advantages, this innovation promises in particular a reduction in power requirement and positive influence on the fermentation biology.

• “Vogelsang CC Series eccentric screw pump 
  
  Hugo Vogelsang, Essen (Oldb.), Germany, Hall 21, Stand E13
  
  When viscous media need to be moved on the farm, displacement pumps such as eccentric screw pumps are often used. As a known manufacturer of these pumps, Vogelsang has distinctly facilitated replacement of the main wear parts in its CC Series by modifying the pump body. The pump body can simply be folded upwards without detaching any pipe connections and rotor and stator can be exchanged. This development is of high practical relevance, as it distinctly reduces the labour input and hence the maintenance costs and can cut downtime of the installation.

• “Fermenter heating with submersible motor agitator”
  
  Xylem Water Solutions, Langenhagen, Germany, Hall 21, Stand C23
  
  Xylem Water Solutions is an established manufacturer of submersible agitators. These can now be combined with a heat exchanger. The Medal has been awarded for the flexibility. This unit, consisting of a fermenter heater and submersible agitator, can be installed without major structural outlay, can be retrofitted in existing tanks, and can be exchanged again in the event of defects. It is therefore an ideal retrofitting solution when the transmission capacity of existing heating systems declines. The high heating performance and fast-running agitator are a particularly simple and efficient alternative for tank contents with low to medium dry matter contents.

• “UTT”
  
  MAWI-Romberger, Lichtenfels, Germany, Hall 24, Stand A27
  
  The newly developed container drying system allows simultaneous conveying and drying of bulk goods. It comprises a heat unit with heat recovery, a concrete base and a container. The innovation lies in particular in the use of surplus waste heat from combined heat and power units (CHPs), using a concrete base as a heat storage medium. This allows uniform heat distribution and drying of the bulk goods in the container. With the system presented, thermal energy from combined heat and power units can be put to expedient use and resources are conserved.

• “N·E·ST DosiPro”
  
  NEST Anlagenbau GmbH, Steinfurt, Germany, Hall 21, Stand D25
  
  Trace elements can be added to the fermentation process in liquid form in a closed system. The pumping technology conveys the product directly from the container used for transport without any work-intensive transfer being necessary. The trace elements are stored in a lockable cabinet including a drip tray. There is thus no risk of staff exposure to trace elements that may be strongly health-hazardous substances during transfer and adding to the process. Possible contact and hence the risk of health damage is consequently reduced to a minimum.

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