BIOGAS DATA

THE BENEFITS OF BIOGAS

1. Production of energy (heat, light, electricity).
2. The transformation of organic waste into high quality fertiliser.
3. Improvement of hygienic conditions through reduction of pathogens, worm eggs and
flies.
4. Reduction of workload, mainly for women (concerning firewood collection and
cooking).
5. Environmental advantages through protection of soil, water, air and woody
vegetation.
6. Additional income sources and increasing yields of animal husbandry and agriculture.
7. Macro-economical benefits through decentralised energy generation, import
substitution and environmental protection.

THE THREE STEPS OF BIOGAS PRODUCTION

Hydrolysis:
In the first step, the organic matter enzymolyzed (undergoes a biochemical
decomposition by enzymatic action) externally by extracellular enzymes of
microorganisms. Bacteria decompose the long chains of the complex carbohydrates,
proteins and lipids into shorter parts.

Acidification
Acid-producing bacteria, involved in the second step, convert the intermediates of
fermenting bacteria into acetic acid, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. For this, the acid-
producing bacteria they use the oxygen solved in the solution or bounded-oxygen.
The bacteria then create an anaerobic condition, which is essential for the methane-
producing microorganisms. Moreover, they reduce the compounds with a low
molecular weight into alcohols, organic acids, amino acids, carbon dioxide, hydrogen
sulphide and traces of methane.

Methane formation
Methane-producing bacteria involved in the third step, decompose compounds with a
low molecular weight. For example the utilize hydrogen, carbon dioxide and acetic
acid to form methane and carbon dioxide.

REDUCTION OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

 Biogas technology takes part in the global struggle against the greenhouse effect. It
reduces the release of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels. Biogas is a direct
substitute for gas or coal for cooking, heating, electricity generation and lighting.
Additionally, the reduction in the consumption of artificial fertiliser avoids carbon
dioxide emissions that would otherwise come from the fertiliser producing industries.
By helping to counter deforestation and degradation caused by overusing ecosystems
as sources of firewood and by melioration of soil conditions, biogas technology
reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIOGAS PLANTS

Balloon Plants
The balloon plant consist of a digester bag (e.g. PVC) in the upper part of which the
gas is stored. The inlet and outlet are attached directly to the plastic skin of the
balloon .The gas pressure is achieved through the elasticity of the balloon and by the
added weights placed on the balloon

Fixed-dome plants
The fixed-dome plant consists of a digester with a fixed, non-renewable gas holder,
which sits on top of the digester. When gas production starts, the slurry is displaced
into the compensation tank. Gas pressure increases with the volume of gas stored and
the height difference between the slurry level in the digester and the slurry level in the
compensation tank.

Floating-drum plats
Floating-drum plants consist of an underground digester and a moving gas-holder.
The gas-holder floats either directly on the fermentation slurry or in a water jacket of
its own. The gas is collected in the gas drum, which rises or moves down, according
to the amount of gas stored.

BIOGAS APPLIANCES
Gas stoves
Biogas lamps
Radiant heaters
Incubators
Refrigerators
Engines