STUDY ON BIOGAS PRODUCTION WITH MALE HALL

KITCHEN WASTE

BY

ADEBUNMI, Damilare Isaiah

CVE/16/0478

A PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING,
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B. ENG.) IN
ADELEKE UNIVERSITY,
EDE, NIGERIA.

JUNE, 2021
 CERTIFICATION

This project report titled “STUDY ON BIOGAS PRODUCTION WITH MALE

HALL KITCHEN WASTE” written by Adebunmi, Damilare Isaiah (16/0478) was

carried out under supervision at Civil Engineering department, Adeleke University, Ede,

Osun State.

Engr. Dr. F. A. Oginni --------------------------------

Name of Supervisor Signature & Date

Engr. Dr. F. A. Oginni ------------------------------

Name of Head of Department Signature & Date

2
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I give all honor, thanks and praise to the Almighty God for the successful completion of my

undergraduate program, as it is only by his grace that all things are possible and realizable.

Likewise, I am grateful to my supervisor, Engr. (Dr.) F.A Oginni, I am an indebted ward of

yours, sir and I wholeheartedly appreciate your patience, practical advice, helpful information,

enthusiasm, and support which have helped me tremendously during the development of the

Project. Also, Mr. Steven Owolabi for his help and support throughout the project. A special

thanks to the dean of the faculty of engineering, for the mentoring and words of advice during

my academic endeavor. I am immensely grateful to all Staff of the Department of Civil

Engineering, Engineering Lecturers as a whole that have imbibed in me knowledge in different

ways during my stay in Adeleke University.

I would also like to express my immense gratitude to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adebunmi as

there is nothing I would say or do that will amount to your love and endless effort. To my

siblings, Damilola Adeduntan, Oluwaferanmi Florence and Tinuolajesu for their

encouragements, emotional support and prayers during the highs and lows, I say thank you.

My profound gratitude to my wonderful friends and course mates, that we started this journey

together and cooperated with me, encouraged me through difficult times and supported me. I am

grateful to you all. To Joseph Victor, I say a very big thank you for your assistance thank you

and God bless you. Additionally, I owe my gratitude with heavy heart to my colleagues that I

lost on the way; I pray God almighty grants you rest.

Finally, my acknowledgement would not be complete without recognizing all those that

3
contributed one way or the other from 100 level to my final year, you all made the journey

enlightening, development filled and worthwhile. I pray that God guides us all aright and make

us get to the zenith of our respective life. Thank you all.

4
 Table of Contents

Title Page I

Certification ii

Acknowledgement iii

Table of Contents iv

List of Tables vii

List of Figures viii

List of Plates ix

List of Abbreviations & Acronyms x

Abstract xi

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 13
1.1 Background of the Study................................................................................................................................ 13
1.2 Aim and Objectives........................................................................................................................................ 15
1.2.1 Aim ................................................................................................................................................................ 15
1.2.2 Objectives ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
1.3 Justification of the study ................................................................................................................................ 15
1.4 Scope of the study .......................................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................................................................. 17
2.1 History of Discovery of Biogas ..................................................................................................................... 17
2.2 Sources of Biogas .......................................................................................................................................... 18
2.2.1 Uses of Biogas ................................................................................................................................................ 19
2.2.2 Advantages of Biogas ..................................................................................................................................... 20
2.3 Anaerobic Digestion ....................................................................................................................................... 20
2.4 Biogas Applications ....................................................................................................................................... 21
2.4.1 Biogas for heating ......................................................................................................................................... 21

5
2.4.2 Biogas for electricity...................................................................................................................................... 22
2.4.3 Biogas for transport....................................................................................................................................... 22
2.4.4 Biogas in fuel cells ......................................................................................................................................... 22
2.5 Biogas Plant .................................................................................................................................................... 23
2.6 Types of small-scale biogas plants................................................................................................................. 23
2.6.1 Fixed Dome Biogas Plants ............................................................................................................................. 23
2.6.2 Floating Drum Plants ..................................................................................................................................... 26
2.6.3 Balloon Plants ................................................................................................................................................ 28
2.6.4 Low-Cost Polyethylene Tube Digester ........................................................................................................... 30
2.7 Composition of Biogas .................................................................................................................................. 32
2.7.1 Various Report Experiments on Anaerobic Digestion ................................................................................... 34
2.8 Process of Anaerobic Digestion ..................................................................................................................... 35
2.8.1 Hydrolysis ...................................................................................................................................................... 36
2.8.2 Acidogenesis ................................................................................................................................................. 36
2.8.3 Acetogenesis ................................................................................................................................................. 36
2.8.4 Methanogenesis............................................................................................................................................... 36
2.9 The Influence of Temperature on the Biogas Production .............................................................................. 37
2.10 Other Benefits of Biogas ................................................................................................................................ 37
2.11 Desulphurization of Biogas ............................................................................................................................ 38
2.11.1 Biological desulphurization – H2S removal ............................................................................................... 38
2.11.2 Chemical desulphurization – precipitation with iron salts ......................................................................... 39
CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................................................... 40
3.0 METHOD AND MATERIALS USED.......................................................................................................... 40
3.1 Study Location ............................................................................................................................................... 40
3.2 Biogas Production Procedure ......................................................................................................................... 40
3.3 Construction Materials ................................................................................................................................... 43
3.4 Fabrication of the biogas digester .................................................................................................................. 43
3.5 Calculations.................................................................................................................................................... 45
3.6 Steps taken to obtain results ........................................................................................................................... 46
3.7 Actual Setup of Biogas .................................................................................................................................. 47
CHAPTER FOUR ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................................................................... 48

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4.1 Results ............................................................................................................................................................ 48
4.2 Gas Production ............................................................................................................................................... 53
4.3 Discussion ................................................................................................................................... 55
CHAPTER FIVE ....................................................................................................................................................... 56
5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ............................................................................................. 56
5.1 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................... 56
5.2 Recommendation ........................................................................................................................................... 56
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................................... 58

7
 LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Description Page

2.1 Composition of Biogas 33

4.1 Daily Temperature of slurry recorded 49

4.2 Daily Temperature of environment recorded 51

4.3 Gas Production per day 53

8
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Description Page

Figure 1 Arrangement of the setup 44

Figure 2 Graph of temperature variation during slurry digestion 50

Figure 3 Graph of Ambient temperature variation during slurry digestion 52

Figure 4 Graph showing the volume of gas produced 54

9
 LIST OF PLATES

Plate No. Description Page

Plate 1 Fixed dome Plant in China (J, 1956) 25

Plate 2 Floating drum Plant in Mauretania (Jashu Bhai, 1956)) 27

Plate 3 Balloon Plant (energypedia.info) 29

Plate 4 Scheme of Low-cost Polyethylene Tube Digester (Bolivia, 1972) 31

Plate 5 Process Flow in Biogas production (Meynell P. , 1976). 42

Plate 6 Biogas Setup in the water laboratory, Adeleke University 47

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 LIST OF ACCRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

No. Abbreviation/ Acronym Full meaning

1 IPMAN Independent Petroleum Marketers

Association of Nigeria

2 AD Anaerobic Digestion

3 WHO World Health Organization

11
 ABSTRACT

Biogas production and composting of slurry from the biogas plant is one of the methods

to reduce volume of waste and maximum energy recovery from the organic wastes is possible. In

this study, the anaerobic digestion of food waste is carried out and observed. The experiment was

carried out using local materials and the arrangement of the setup is shown in figure 1, chapter

3.4 and water was obtained from the faculty, the waste to be used was obtained from the Male-

hall canteen, Adeleke University.

The food waste blend consists of cooked vegetables, fish intestines, cooked soup, cooked

rice and it is mixed with water in ratio 2:1 to form slurry. The volume of the slurry is 30litres.

Temperature changes was recorded and the gas produced was 0.05kg and it isn’t enough to

produce fire.

For subsequent research on this project, I strongly recommend the blend of organic

wastes in large quantities in order to achieve the desired result of producing sufficient gas for

cooking and various purposes. Also, substrates should be provided in large quantities so as to

eradicate the problem of limited slurry.

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Due to the impending scarcity of petroleum in Nigeria as warned by the Independent

Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and attacks on fuel tankers and

the disruption of depot operations across the country by hoodlums who hijacked the

#Endsars protests in Nigeria(2020), supply of fuel throughout the country is

threatened which led to the research about new and renewable sources of energy of which

biogas is being set as the main focus because of its distinct characteristics from other

renewable energies, control and collection of organic wastes is done and at the same time

producing fertilizer and water for use in agricultural irrigation. Increases in biogas

production from sustainable biomass can provide many economic and environmental

benefits. Talking about the area we are familiar with for example, Adeleke University,

increasing biogas production through anaerobic digestion of food waste would

significantly increase the use of renewable fuels in the school’s cafeteria sections and add

to its renewable’s portfolio. Biogas is produced by bacteria through the bio-degradation

of organic material under anaerobic conditions. It is the anaerobic digestion of waste

materials of plant and animal origin. Biogas is a mixture of methane (60-70%), carbon

dioxide (30-40%) and traces of other gases like hydrogen sulphone and hydrogen.

Methane in biogas provides a source of fuel without smoke. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is

the process by which plant and animal material is converted in to useful product by

13
micro-organisms in the absence of air. Biomass is put inside a sealed tank and

naturally occurring micro-organisms digest it, releasing methane that can be used to

provide heat and power. The material left over at the end of the process, known as bio-

slurry, and is very rich in nutrients so it can be used as fertilizer.

This means that generation of biogas is carried out by using waste materials of

plant or animal origin which can be potential source of environmental pollution if

disposed of without conversion. Most importantly, it provides an alternate source of

renewable energy and thus reduces the burden on the use of biomass as well as fossil fuel

as a source of energy. The bio-slurry provides organic fertilizer which, unlike synthetic

fertilizers, imparts no detrimental effect on soil as well as environment. In order to

understand the need for the development of low-cost technology for the generation of

biogas as a renewable source of energy to address environmental and health issues on

long term basis, it is necessary to understand the present practice of household energy

consumption and its devastating impact on environment and health of rural and urban

poor population. This project is focused on the generation of Biogas from kitchen waste.

Kitchen waste is organic material having the high calorific value and nutritive value to

microbes, that’s why efficiency of methane production can be increased by several orders

of magnitude as said earlier. It means higher efficiency and size of reactor and cost of

biogas production is reduced. Also, in most of cities and places, kitchen waste is disposed

in landfill or discarded which causes the public health hazards and diseases like malaria,

cholera, typhoid. Inadequate management of wastes like uncontrolled dumping bears

several adverse consequences: It not only leads to polluting surface and groundwater

through leachate, it further promotes the breeding of flies, mosquitoes, rats and other

14
 disease bearing vectors. Also, it emits unpleasant odor & methane which is a major

greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

1.2 Aim and Objectives

1.2.1 Aim

This aim of this project is to use kitchen wastes to generate a renewable energy.

1.2.2 Objectives

The specific objectives are to; fabricate a biogas digester using local materials,

test the digester using Kitchen wastes and evaluate the quantity of the biogas produced.

1.3 Justification of the study

Biogas offers environmental benefits by diverting biological waste to useful

energy. Biogas is a cheaper fuel when compared to conventional fuels as only initial

capital cost is required.

The innovation of Biogas Plants does not only reduce pollution, it also serves as a source

of renewable energy and fertilizers for agriculture. Biogas plants have potentials to be

very beneficial in the future, especially in countries facing electricity challenges.

Information has it that some oil wells or fields seldom experience depletion in the

production of oil after exceeding the peak of production (Hubbert, June 1956). In this

kind of situation, biogas fuel could be a suitable supplement to fossil fuel. Creating

biogas systems is crucial then, as biogas is a win-win renewable energy source with more

to win and less to lose as its utilization contributes to the lessening of greenhouse gas

15
 (mainly methane) levels in the atmosphere, and land pollution while being cost effective

in the long run.

Though biogas has been worked on by different people, its utilization has not yet been

maximally realized, this has become a motivation towards exploring bio-waste digestion

and biogas generation in this study.

1.4 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is limited to assembly of a biogas digester and to evaluate the gas

produced.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 History of Discovery of Biogas

This anaerobic process of decomposition (or fermentation) of organic matter

happens all around us in nature, and has been happening for a very long time. In fact,

the bacteria that break down organic material into biogas are some of the oldest multi-

celled organisms on the planet. Human use of biogas, of course doesn’t go that far back,

however, some anecdotal evidence traces the first uses of biogas to the Assyrians in the

10th century and the Persians in the 16th century. More recently, the 20th century has

brought about a renaissance of both industrial and small-scale biogas systems.

The discovery of biogas can be traced back to the 17th century when

(Helmond, 1700), noticed flickering lights under the surface of swamps and connected it

to a flammable gas produced by decaying organic matter. In the scientific world,

(Volta, 1776), discovered that biogas production is a function of the amount of decaying

organic matter and that the biogas is flammable under certain conditions. (Dalton, 1810)

established the chemical composition of methane by studying methane from coal mines.

It became clear to Flemish chemist (Helmond, 1800) that decomposing organic

matter produced a combustible gas. Soon after, (John Dalton, 1850), clarified that this

flammable gas was methane. The first major anaerobic digestion plant dates back to 1859

in Bombay. Not long after, in 1898, the UK used anaerobic digestion to convert sewage

into biogas, which was then used to light street lamps. For the next century, anaerobic

digestion was primarily used as a means to treat municipal wastewater. When the price of

17
 fossil fuels rose in the 1970’s industrial anaerobic digestion plants increased in

popularity and efficiency.

This was soon linked to the biogas involved in Volta’s earlier scientific discovery.

In 1884, a student of Pasteur in France, Gayon, and anaerobically produced biogas by

suspending cattle manure in a water solution at 35 Celsius and at that time was able to

obtain 100 liters of biogas per meter cubed of manure (Machaim , 1992), (champ, 1868),

stated that the formation of methane during the degradation of organic matter was a result

of microbial activities. (Omeliansky, 1890), worked on isolated microbes responsible for

the production of hydrogen, butyric acid during methane formation of cellulose.

(Sohngen, 1910), affirmed Omeliansky’s findings by also reporting that fermentation of

complex organic matter occurred oxidation- reduction reactions.

The first biogas production plant is thought to be built in India in 1897 and was used for

sewage treatment as well (Harris, 2002).

2.2 Sources of Biogas

Animal manure, food scraps, wastewater, and sewage are all examples of organic matter

that can produce biogas by anaerobic digestion. Due to the high content of methane in

biogas (typically 50-75%) biogas is flammable, and therefore produces a deep blue flame,

and can be used as an energy source.

Bio-waste that has been used by different researches to generate biogas includes but is

not limited to:

Animal manure;

Cattle dung

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 It takes three days for Cattle dung to yield biogas (Christian Osueke, 2018).

Poultry droppings

It takes two days for Poultry droppings to yield biogas. In a study comparing its yield to

that of pig dung and cow dung it ranked second highest yield with a yield percentage less

than pig manure and higher than cow dung (Christian Osueke, 2018) .

Pig Dung

It takes just a day for Pig waste to yield biogas. In a study comparing it to the yield of

cow dung and poultry droppings, it had the highest and fastest yield

(Christian Osueke, 2018). The higher biogas production in pig dung can be attributed to

better synergy of microorganisms in the digester.

Plant crops

Agricultural crops and aquatic weeds (water hyacinths, salvia etc.) can be anaerobically

digested for biogas production.

Food wastes

Leftovers of edibles, pineapple and fruits in general can be anaerobically digested for

Biogas production.

In this study, a blend of food waste will be used for biogas production.

2.2.1 Uses of Biogas

Biogas is used for several purposes in which some of it is states below: It is commonly

used in rural areas as cooking gas, it can be used for generating electricity, it can be used

in hydrogen fuel cells as well, it is being used for Transportation. For example, ‘Amanda

Biogas Train’ runs on Biogas in Sweden, it is used in many states for street lightning

purposes and lastly it can replace compressed natural gas for use in vehicles.

19
2.2.2 Advantages of Biogas

Considerable environmental advantages of biogas are: reduction in soil water and air

pollution, it is a healthy cooking alternative especially for developing countries, it

encourages circular economy and it is beneficial for all classes, it produces organic

manure as byproduct, it requires low capital investment (it is cheap) and can bring

about economic development (Arndt, June 16, 2009).

2.3 Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a series of biological processes in which microorganisms break

down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. One of the end products is

biogas, which is combusted to generate electricity and heat, or can be processed into

renewable natural gas and transportation fuels. Anaerobic digestion is a form of “waste-

to-energy” (Beschkov, 2019) that uses the process of fermentation to breakdown organic

matter. A range of anaerobic digestion technologies are converting livestock manure,

municipal wastewater solids, food waste, high strength industrial wastewater and

residuals, fats, oils and grease (FOG), and various other organic waste streams into

biogas, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Separated digested solids can be composted,

utilized for dairy bedding, directly applied to cropland or converted into other

products. Nutrients in the liquid stream are used in agriculture as fertilizer. Anaerobic

digestion technology allows concurrent digestion of different solid and liquid wastes.

Decayed animals and substances cause’s major environmental problems such as

greenhouse gases, which inevitably increase global warming, unpleasant odor, high

invasions of bacteria and pathogens, rodents, insects and other pests. This manure can be

20
 harnessed to produce biogas. The high content of Methane in biogas makes it flammable

and it produces a deep blue flame and can be used as an energy source

2.4 Biogas Applications

2.4.1 Biogas for heating

Traditional biogas contains approximately 60% (vol.) methane, almost 40% carbon

dioxide, small amounts of ethane and hydrogen (less than 0.5% together), hydrogen

sulfide and mercaptans (some ppm), humidity, and traces of oxygen. Its net energy

capacity is ca. 24 MJ/nm3 at methane content of 60% (vol.). The first and most direct use

of biogas is for heating purposes for maintenance of the equipment and the farm, where

the animal dung is treated. The same applies for its use for domestic purposes, besides

heating, e.g., cooking and lighting, as firstly used in Asian and African countries.

Another more sophisticated use of the biogas heating capacity is its utilization as heat

energy in beverage and ethanol production. There the stillage remaining after distillation

is recycled for biogas production. The resulting biogas is combusted for boiler heating

and for energy for operation of distillation columns. Thus, the problems with the

treatment of the residual stillage are solved by conversion into biogas, thus mitigating the

problems with energy supply and spending. Calculations show that in some cases,

stillage utilization as biogas can cover almost the whole energy demand for heating the

distillation process. Besides these straightforward applications, biogas is also injected

into the grid for natural gas supply for domestic use. For this purpose, a preliminary

scrubbing of the carbon dioxide and sulfur compounds is necessary.

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2.4.2 Biogas for electricity

Biogas is suitable for generation of electric power in combination with heat

recovery. Usually, the gas is combusted in engines with internal combustion coupled to

turbine. The released heat (being around 60% of the utilized energy) is used for heating

purposes for maintenance of the anaerobic digester or for household needs. This

method is widely applied for the treatment of activated sludge, a residue from municipal

wastewater treatment plants.

Electricity production by gas turbines can be applied by biogas as a fuel, thus replacing

the natural gas for small-scale applications (or power within 25–100 kW).

2.4.3 Biogas for transport

The use of biogas as a fuel for civil transport and road vehicles instead of natural gas is

already spread in Western Europe and the United States. There are many vehicles in

Sweden operating on biogas in the urban public transport.

2.4.4 Biogas in fuel cells

Another very attractive application of biogas for electricity production is its use in fuel

cells. The specialized cells for these purposes are described briefly by O’Hayre et al.

Prior to biogas feed, carbon dioxide and sulfur compounds must be removed by

scrubbing to avoid corrosion and catalyst poisoning and to rise the gas energy capacity.

22
2.5 Biogas Plant

A biogas plant is where biogas is produced by fermenting biomass. The substrate used for

the production of this methane-containing gas usually consists of energy crops such as

corn, or waste materials such as manure or food waste. The fermentation residue left over

from the substrates at the end of the process can be used as fertilizer.

The biogas is produced by the micro-bacterial decomposition of the substrate in an

oxygen-free environment, i.e., under anaerobic conditions. To do this, the substrate is

pumped into the fermenters. The substrate is stored here under anaerobic conditions and

is periodically shifted by agitators to avoid the formation of surface scum and sinking

layers. This also allows the biogas to rise more easily. Unlike in the decomposition of

biomass under aerobic conditions (for example, composting), under anaerobic conditions

the micro-bacterial organisms can only use a small part of the energy contained.

2.6 Types of small-scale biogas plants

2.6.1 Fixed Dome Biogas Plants

A fixed-dome plant consists of a digester with a fixed, non-movable 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

23
compensation tank. The costs of a fixed-dome biogas plant is relatively low. It is simple

as no moving parts exist. There are also no rusting steel parts and hence a long life of the

plant (20 years or more) can be expected. The plant is constructed underground,

protecting it from physical damage and saving space. While the underground digester is

protected from low temperatures at night and during cold seasons, sunshine and warm

seasons take longer to heat up the digester. No day/night fluctuations of temperature in

the digester positively influence the bacteriological processes. The construction of fixed

dome plants is labor-intensive, thus creating local employment. Fixed-dome plants are

not easy to build. It is shown in plate 1 below. They should only be built where

construction can be supervised by experienced biogas technicians. Otherwise, plants may

not be gas-tight (porosity and cracks).

24
Plate 1: Fixed dome Plant in China (J, 1956)

25
2.6.2 Floating Drum Plants

(Jashu Bhai, 1956) from India designed the first floating drum biogas plant,

popularly called Gobar gas plant. Floating-drum plants consist of an underground

digester (cylindrical or dome-shaped) 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. The gas drum is prevented from tilting by a guiding frame. When biogas is

produced, the drum moves up and when it is consumed, the drum goes down.

If the drum floats in a water jacket, it cannot get stuck, even in substrate with high solid

content. After the introduction of cheap Fixed-dome Chinese model, the floating drum

plants became obsolete as they have high investment and maintenance cost along with

other design weakness. The floating drum plant is shown in plate 2 below.

26
Plate 2: Floating drum Plant in Mauretania (Jashu Bhai, 1956)

27
2.6.3 Balloon Plants

A balloon plant consists of a heat-sealed plastic or rubber bag (balloon),

combining digester and gas-holder. The gas is stored in the upper part of the balloon. The

inlet and outlet are attached directly to the skin of the balloon. Gas pressure can be

increased by placing weights on the balloon. If the gas pressure exceeds a limit that the

balloon can withstand, it may damage the skin. Therefore, safety valves are required. If

higher gas pressures are needed, a gas pump is required. Since the material has to be

weather- and UV resistant, specially stabilized, reinforced plastic or synthetic

caoutchouc is given preference. Other materials which have been used successfully

include RMP (red mud plastic), Trevira and butyl. The useful life-span does usually not

exceed 2-5 years. The balloon plant is shown in plate 3 below.

28
Plate 3: Balloon Plant (energypedia.info)

29
2.6.4 Low-Cost Polyethylene Tube Digester

In the case of the Low-Cost Polyethylene Tube Digester model which is applied

in Bolivia (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Centro America and Mexico), the tubular

polyethylene film (two coats of 300 microns) is bended at each end around a 6 inch PVC

drainpipe and is wound with rubber strap of recycled tire-tubes. With this system a

hermetic isolated tank is obtained. One of the 6" PVC drainpipes serves as inlet and the

other one as the outlet of the slurry. In the tube digester finally, a hydraulic level is set up

by itself, so that as much quantity of added prime matter (the mix of dung and water) as

quantity of fertilizer leave by the outlet.

Because the tubular polyethylene is flexible, it is necessary to construct a "cradle" which

will accommodate the reaction tank, so that a trench is excavated. It is shown in plate 4

below.

30
Plate 4: Scheme of Low-cost Polyethylene Tube Digester (Bolivia, 1972)

31
2.7 Composition of Biogas

Composition of biogas may vary according to the substrate used and conditions

available of anaerobic decomposition of substrate. It contains methane, carbon di oxide,

hydrogen, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide. Typical composition of biogas with percentage of

its constituent gases is outlined in table 2.1 below.

32
 Table 2.1 Composition of Biogas

Component Formula Percentage Present (%)

Methane CH4 50-70

Carbon dioxide CO2 25-50

Nitrogen N2 0-9

Hydrogen H2 0-1

Hydrogen sulfide H2S 0.1-0.5

33
 Apart from these gases, we find water vapor also in biogas. The amount of water vapor

depends on the temperature and moisture present in the substrate mixture.

• Methane (CH4) is the main compound of biogas with a molar percentage between 50 and

70. It has a high energy value equal to 802kJ/mol and burns with a blue flame.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a non-corrosive gas with little or no has energy value with a

molar percentage of 25 to 50 in biogas. Though it is a non-corrosive gas, it has a harmful

effect on human health and on the environment

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly corrosive gas derived from the catabolism of Sulphur

containing amino acids. It is a dangerous gas because its inhalation is fatal. Traces of

hydrogen sulphide are present in biogas.

• Water vapor (H2O) can also be found in Biogas which can damage the digester when in

the liquid state. Biogas usually contains between 2% to 7% molar composition of H2O.

2.7.1 Various Report Experiments on Anaerobic Digestion

Tests on co-digestion of five fractions of rendering wastes with poultry, cattle, pig

slaughterhouse wastes, produced a methane yield of 717dm3CH4/kgVS at 35oC

(mesophilic temperature).

(Bayr S, 2012) Pig mixed slaughterhouse wastes with solid pig manure have a methane

yield of 489 dm3CH4/kgVS at 37oC (mesophilic temperature). (Hejnfelt A, 2009)

Experiments on mono digestion of poultry wastes in Batch reactor shows a methane yield

of 262- 266 dm3CH4/kgVS at 35oC (mesophilic temperature) (Bayr S, 2012). Whereas,

34
 tests in Cattle wastes shows a methane production of 520-550 dm3CH4kg/VS at 35oC

(mesophilic temperature) and 600-700 dm3CH4/kgVS at 34oC. (Salminen EA, 2002)

A study on co-digestion of poultry slaughterhouse wastes with Organic Fraction of

Municipal Solid Wastes (OFMSWs) at 34oC (mesophilic temperature), in Cattle wastes,

it reveals a methane potential of 400-500 dm3CH4/kgVS. (Rodriguez_Abalde A, 2011)

Methane yield of 270-350 dm3CH4/kgVS at 35oC (mesophilic temperature) have been

measured during the co-digestion of solid cattle and pig slaughterhouse wastes with fruit

wastes and cattle manure at 35oC (mesophilic temperature) and showed that digestion

with mixed substrates is better than single substrates (Alvarez R, 2008).

2.8 Process of Anaerobic Digestion

The four key stages of anaerobic digestion involve hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis

and methanogenesis. The overall process can be described by the chemical reaction,

where organic material such as glucose is biochemically digested into carbon dioxide

(CO2) and methane (CH4) by the anaerobic microorganisms.

The procedures involved in the production of biogas from organic matter are;

1. Hydrolysis

2. Acidogenesis

3. Acetogenesis

4. Methanogenesis

35
2.8.1 Hydrolysis

In most cases, biomass is made up of large organic polymers. For the bacteria in

anaerobic digesters to access the energy potential of the material, these chains must first

be broken down into their smaller constituent parts such as sugar, fatty and amino acids.

The process of breaking these chains and dissolving the smaller molecules into solution is

called hydrolysis.

2.8.2 Acidogenesis

Acidogenesis results in further breaking down of the remaining components by

acidogenic (fermentation) bacteria. Volatile fatty acids are created along with ammonia,

carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide as well as other by-products

2.8.3 Acetogenesis

The third stage of anaerobic digestion is acetogenesis. Here, simple molecules created

through the acidogenesis phase are further digested by acetogens to produce largely

acetic acid, as well as carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

2.8.4 Methanogenesis

The terminal stage of anaerobic digestion is the biological process of methanogenesis.

Here, methanogenesis use the intermediate products of the preceding stages and convert

them into methane, carbon dioxide and water.

Methanogenesis is sensitive to both high and low pHs. Indigestible material the microbes

cannot use and any dead bacterial remains constitute the digestate.

36
2.9 The Influence of Temperature on the Biogas Production

The still common understanding assumes the existence of three possible ranges of

temperature in which the biogas production process can be carried out (psychrophilic 15-

25oC, mesophilic 35- 40oC and thermophilic 50-55oC). (Chae, 2008) They are most

productive in the range of 33-37oc, at lower temperatures, the bacteria become less active

which slows down the digestion process. (Kettunen, 1997). Substrates must be readily

available in proper quantities in order to aid continuous filling of the biogas digester

during the biogas production process.

Water is also needed by the anaerobic bacteria to survive and also to improve the

properties of the material. Feedstock is mixed with water to obtain a low solid content

which is referred to as slurry. This enables the slurry to flow easily through the system

and the gas to go out from the digestion mass. Gas production depends upon digester

temperature, fermentation or retention time and the substrate material

2.10 Other Benefits of Biogas

High levels of methane are produced when manure is stored under anaerobic conditions.

During storage and when manure has been applied to the land, nitrous oxide is also

produced as a byproduct of the denitrification process. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is 320 times

more aggressive as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and methane 25 times more

than carbon dioxide. By converting cow manure into methane biogas via anaerobic

digestion, the millions of cattle in Nigeria would be able to produce 100 billion kilowatt

hours of electricity, enough to power millions of homes across the country. In fact, one

cow can produce enough manure in one day to generate 3 kilowatt hours of electricity;

37
 only 2.4 kilowatt hours of electricity are needed to power a single 100-watt light bulb

for one day. Furthermore, by converting cattle manure into methane biogas instead of

letting it decompose, global warming gases could be reduced by 4%.

2.11 Desulphurization of Biogas

Some amount of hydrogen sulphide is formed in the production of biogas. Elevated

hydrogen sulphide concentrations can cause problems for gas engines. Therefore,

desulphurization has to take place. Desulphurization can be done either biologically or

chemically.

2.11.1 Biological desulphurization – H2S removal

Biological desulphurization utilizes the microbial process where microbes remove

hydrogen sulphide and convert it to Sulphur. With farm materials and substrates,

desulphurization is handles by air injection, air is normally injected into the biogas

digester with a controlled compressor. The microbes take the oxygen and convert

hydrogen sulphide into Sulphur.

2 H2S + O2 => S2 + 2H2O

The total air going into the digester should not exceed 2-5% of the biogas volume

produced as higher levels can lead to explosive gas mixtures. (Baboo, 2016)

38
2.11.2 Chemical desulphurization – precipitation with iron salts

Chemical desulphurization applies metal salts like Iron II Chloride (FeCl2) to

precipitate Sulphur. Iron salts like Iron II Chloride (FeCl2) help to keep hydrogen

sulphide levels low.

With the addition of Iron II Chloride (FeCl2) into the digestion process, Sulphur can (due

to high chemical affinity between iron and Sulphur) be precipitated selectively. Iron stays

in the solution for a long time and reacts with Sulphur when it becomes present.

Precipitation reaction FeCl2 + H2S => FeS + 2HCl

Only a small amount of FeCl2 can control and keep H2S concentrations at less than 200

ppm in order to minimize corrosion with the biogas engine burning the digester gas.

(Baboo, 2016)

39
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 METHOD AND MATERIALS USED

3.1 Study Location

This experiment was carried out at the water laboratory, Civil Engineering department,

Adeleke University.

3.2 Biogas Production Procedure

In this project, only waste gotten from the male hall canteen is used for the experiment.

Whether Biogas is produced or not will be known in the final result. The process flow in

a biogas production is classified into four main stages and presented below;

Stage 1

The first process stage (storage, conditioning, transport and insertion of substrate)

includes the storage plastic for substrate receiving unit: Supply of Substrate plays an

important role in the operation of a biogas plant, it is thus important to ensure a stable and

continuous supply of substrate of suitable quality and quantities. In many cases, the

biogas plants receive additional substrates, produced by neighboring farms, or industries.

The type of storage facilities depends on the substrates used.

Stage 2

The second process stage includes the biogas production in the digester (biogas reactor)

where the different processes of hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and

40
 methanogenesis.

Stage 3

The third process stage is represented by the storage tank for digestate and the utilization

of digestate as fertilizer on the fields.

Stage 4

The fourth process stage (biogas storage, conditioning and utilization) consists of the gas

storage medium.

41
Plate 5: Process Flow in Biogas production (Meynell P. , 1976).

42
 3.3 Construction Materials

The experimental materials for this project work include;

Graduated plastic bucket- This is used as the inlet medium from where the slurry is

passed into a plastic bottle which is serving as the digester, the capacity of the plastic

bucket is 20litres while the volume of the digester is 18.9liters.

A diaphragm, serving as a dividing membrane or thin partition for the hose which is

serving as the medium transporting the gas to the tube which is functioning as the gas

collector, a digital thermometer for taking temperature readings, soldering iron for

heating the plastics to make required holes for the setup, a stirring rod to stir the slurry for

faster gas production, and an adhesive which is used to bind the various materials

together which were purchased at the right places, water was obtained from the faculty,

the food waste to be used was obtained from the Male hall canteen, Adeleke University.

3.4 Fabrication of the biogas digester

A Plastic bottle was obtained as the biogas digester, a hose was fitted tight into the hole at

the top of the bottle and adhesive was used to ensure it is air-tight. Another hose was

connected to the existing one with a diaphragm (T-Junction) to serve as our gas hose that

leads to the gas collector (the tube). A pipe was fitted beside the biogas digester which is

connected to another plastic bucket that is functioning as the inlet of the slurry. Another

hose was connected to the remaining hole of the T-Junction which is connected to a

burner. The setup is shown in figure 1 below.

43
 Digester Hose Gas

Inlet
Pipe

Burner

Figure 1: Arrangement of the setup

44
3.5 Calculations

To obtain the volume of biogas produced the following steps are required:

• Measurement of the mass of the gas collector/inner tube was taken

• Once the digester began producing gas, the mass of the gas container will be measured

again (i.e., mass of tube + mass of gas)

• To obtain the mass of the gas, the current mass of gas collector was subtracted from the

initial mass of the gas container that was measured in step on the first day (before the

biomass stated to produce gas)

i.e. (current mass of the gas collector) – (initial mass of the gas collector) = mass of gas

• To find the volume of biogas produced use the relation below:

Density = Mass ÷ Volume……. (I)

Volume = Mass ÷ Density………. (ii)

Where; Mass = Mass of gas produced,

Volume = Volume of gas produced, and

Density = Density of Methane gas (0.657kg/m3).

Mass of inner tube= 0.2kg

Capacity of tube= 30psi or 206.8kpa

Volume of slurry= 30litres

Volume of the digester= 18.9liters

45
 Capacity of inlet =20litres

3.6 Steps taken to obtain results

During the co-digestion process, the following steps were carried out;

1. The slurry was mixed with water in the ratio 2:1 respectively so as to ensure a

better biogas yield.

2. Slurry was fed into the digester container,

3. Temperature readings of the slurry in the container were taken at regular intervals,

4. The gas produced was collected using an inner tube.

46
3.7 Actual Setup of Biogas

Plate 6: Biogas Setup in the water laboratory, Adeleke University

47
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Results

The temperature of the slurry was obtained daily by inserting the thermometer probe into

the slurry outlet pipe and the readings are recorded in table 4.1 below

Mesophilic temperature which is needed for biogas digestion ranges from 20o C to 45oC

48
 Table 4.1: Daily Temperature of slurry recorded

Days Morning(°c) Afternoon(°c) Evening(°c)

(6:00am) (1:00pm) (7:00pm)

1 30 33 29

3 29 33.2 30

5 28 32.6 29

7 28 28 23

9 29 34 29.5

11 29 31 27

13 27.5 30.5 30

15 29 29 28

17 28 30 28

19 30 32 30

21 28 31 29

23 19 22 20

25 25 31 23

27 30 35 28

29 29 30 29

49
 Graph of temperature variation during slurry digestion
40

35

30
Temperature in °c

25

20

15

10

0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days

Morning Afternoon Evening

Figure 2: Graph of temperature variation during slurry digestion

From the distribution, lowest temperature of the digester during the digestion process is

19°C and the highest 35°C.

50
 Table 4.2: Daily Temperature of environment recorded

Days Morning(°c) Afternoon(°c) Evening (°c)

(6:00am) (1:00pm) (7:00pm)

1 28 34 27

3 27 31 30

5 25 35 29

7 28 28 23

9 29 34 28

11 29 31 27

13 27.5 29 28

15 31 29 28

17 28 30 28

19 30 32 30

21 28 31 29

23 19 22 20

25 25 31 27

27 28 32 26

29 27 31 28

51
 Ambient temperature variation during slurry digestion
40

35

30
Temperature in °c

25

20

15

10

0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days

Morning Afternoon Evening

Figure 3: Graph of ambient temperature variation during slurry digestion

The ambient temperature of the biogas setup varies slightly from the temperature

recorded in the digester which also affects the rate of production of biogas. The higher

the temperature, the faster the yield of biogas.

52
4.2 Gas Production

The mass of gas produced daily from the slurry in the digester obtained by weighing the

gas collector is shown in the table 4.3 below

Table 4.3: Gas Production per day

Days Cumulative mass of gas produced in Kg

1 0

3 0

6 0

9 0

12 0.02

15 0.03

18 0.05

21 0.05

24 0.05

27 0.05

53
 Gas Produced
1.2
VOLUME OF GAS PRODUCED (KG)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
1 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27

DAYS

Figure 4: Graph showing the volume of gas produced

54
4.3 Discussion

From the table above, it could be inferred that gas production, though dependent on

mesophilic temperature, is more dependent on time and type of bio waste used. The first

seven days, although having a temperature suitable for gas production, recorded no

amount of gas produced. The setup was further observed for a month excluding the

retention time used for the formation of slurry and a little gas was produced but it wasn’t

enough to generate fire when tested. From this project, it is observed that food waste

takes longer to produce biogas and the digester will need to be constantly stirred and

refilled. Also, supplementation of anaerobic digesters with small amount of trace

inorganic nutrients such as iron, nickel, manganese etc. is one method of enhancing

biogas potential.

55
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion

This project work brought about the assessment of a biogas production with food waste;

it shows that food waste takes more time to biodegrade and produce methane than animal

waste. In order to successfully produce gas with food waste, it must be available in large

quantities and the decomposition time of wastes blend to be used should be taken into

consideration. It shows the rate of production of biogas when substrate of plant origin is

digested. Anaerobic mono-digestion of organic causes lesser performance and stability as

tested. However, anaerobic co-digestion of different kind of organic waste, especially

cattle manure, allows for resolving any imbalance and improving the rate of biogas

production. Sewage slurries are known to have high methane potential hence, for higher

biogas yields the substrate must contain high quality and degradable organic matters,

from which a higher percentage of the methane concentration is produced. It is also noted

that the process of production depends on some parameters such as: anaerobic condition

of production, quantity of slurry, temperature in digester, pH value of substrate and

stirring or Agitation of substrate in digester.

5.2 Recommendation

I strongly recommend that the government should begin to encourage the use of biogas as

it is an alternative to reduce the burden of fossil fuels and it is highly economical.

Organizations that focus on the setup and improvement of biogas should be in the

56
country. I also recommend the blend of organic wastes in order to achieve a better result.

Individual use of biogas on a small scale to run some household activities should be

encouraged. More knowledge should be given to people by giving seminars or teaching

biogas related courses in universities.

There is so much to be learnt and much knowledge to be acquired as new innovations are

bound to come in place which further reduce the pollution and greenhouse effects caused

by fossil fuels.

57
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