The aim of the project was to develop a cost-effective, flexible, and practical fermentation tank made
from textile materials as an economical alternative to conventional fermenters made of steel or concrete.
The focus was particularly on smaller agricultural enterprises, for which traditional biogas systems are
often financially unfeasible. The new concept was designed to be modular, easy to assemble, and
adaptable to various farm sizes.
A central aspect of the project was the technical feasibility of a gas- and liquid-tight textile fermenter that
can withstand long-term mechanical and chemical stress. The project examined suitable materials,
construction methods, and operational reliability under real-life conditions. An ecological assessment was
also carried out, especially regarding the reduction of concrete and steel use, and the potential to lower
methane emissions through manure fermentation.
In addition, the project investigated the acceptance of the concept among farmers, their willingness to
invest, and the regulatory and approval barriers that might hinder broader adoption. To test practical
applicability, a pilot-scale plant was first constructed, providing valuable insights into material selection,
gas tightness, chemical resistance, and process behavior. Based on these findings, a demonstration plant
was developed and operated under real conditions at the Agricultural Training Center in Landshut-
Schönbrunn, Germany. This plant features a double-walled construction with integrated leak detection
and external heating to ensure uniform temperature distribution—crucial for a stable and productive
fermentation process. It was also successfully approved according to current technical standards.
The project demonstrates that textile fermenter systems made of PE HD are technically viable and offer
promising ecological and economic advantages—provided that appropriate regulatory conditions are in
place.