Biogas is a type of biofuel naturally produced from the decomposition of organic matter.

When this
organic matter is exposed to an environment without oxygen, they free a blend of gases.

Process of making energy from biogas:

In the biogas reactor, microbial action begins and the biomass enters a gradual process of fermentation.
In practice this means that microbes feed on the organic matter, such as proteins, carbohydrates and
lipids, and their digestion turns these into methane and carbon dioxide.

Advantages of biogas:

Biogas is a green energy source in form of electricity and heat for the local grid. Considerable
environmental advantages - less emission of the greenhouse gasses methane, CO2 and nitrous oxide.
Environmentally friendly recirculation of organic waste from industry and households. Less odour
inconveniences when spreading slurry on the fields - fermented slurry smells considerably less than
normal slurry and the smell decreases faster. Plants absorb fermented slurry better, increasing the yield
on the fields.

Disadvantages of biogas:

Explosion chances.

High capital cost.

Incorrect handling of sludge cause pollution.

Requires control and maintenance.

Needs proper conditions.

Use as fuel requires removal of CO2 and H2S.

Raw materials required for the production of biogas:

forms of biomass listed below may be used along with water.

animal dung.

poultry wastes.

plant waste like husks, grass, weeds etc.

human excreta.

industrial wastes like saw dust and wastes from food processing industries.

Domestic wastes like vedgetable peels, waste food materials.

Biogas production potential from different wastes.:

Number 1 Cattle dung .

Biogas production 40 liters/kilograms.

Methane content 60 percent.

Number 2 green leaves and twigs.

Biogas production 100 liters/kilogram.

Methane content 65 percent.

Number 3 food waste.

Biogas production 160 liters/kilogram.

Methane content 62 percent.

Number 4 bamboo dust.

Biogas production 53 liters/kilogram.

Methane content 71 point 5 percent.

Number 5 fruit waste.

Biogas production 91 liter/kilogram.

Methane content 49 point 2 percent.

Number 6 bagasses.

Biogas production 330 liters/kilogram.

Methane content 56 point 9 percent.

Number 7 dry leaves.

Biogas production 118 liters/kilogram.

Methane content 59 point 2 percent.

Number 8 nonedible oil seed cake.

Biogas production 242 liters/kilogram.

Methane content 67 point 5 percent.

Utilization Of Biogas:
• Cooking: A biogas plant of 2 cubic meters is sufficient for providing cooking fuel needs of a family
of about five persons.
• Lighting: Biogas is used in silk mantle lamps for lighting purposes. The requirement of gas for
powering a 100 candle lamp (60 W) is 0.13 cubic meter per hour.
• Power Generation: Biogas can be used to operate a dual fuel engine to replace up to 80 % of diesel-
oil. Diesel engines have been modified to run 100 per cent on biogas. Petrol and CNG engines can
also be modified easily to use biogas.
• Transport Fuel: After removal of CO2, H2S and water vapor, biogas can be converted to natural
gas quality for use in vehicles.