THE STUDY OF UTILITY OF GOBAR

GAS IN THE HOUSEHOLDS OF

MALOIBARI VILLAGE

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR
OF SCIENCE IN BOTANY

GAUHATI UNIVERSITY

SUBMITTED BY
Sekhar Suman Deka
B.Sc 6th Semester
BOT-HE-6036
Roll No: US-191-013-0109
Regd, No: 19005881
Department of Botany
Dimoria College, Khetri
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Sekhar Suman Deka, a student of B.Sc 6th

semester, Department of Botany, Dimoria College, Khetri has completed this
dissertation on paper BOT-HE-6036 entitled “The Study Of Utility of Gobar
Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village” as a result of his project work,
in partial fulfilment of the requirement of Bachelor degree of Science in
Botany.

His sincere efforts may be acknowledged.

Date: (Dr. Biman Kumar Bhatta)

Place: Principal
Dimoria College, Khetri.
Dr. Alee Sarma
HoD of Botany
Dimoria College, Khetri Ph. No: 9435046081

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Sekhar Suman Deka, a student of B.Sc 6th

semester, Department of Botany, Dimoria College, Khetri has completed this
dissertation on paper BOT-HE-6036 entitled “The Study Of Utility Of Gobar
Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village” as a result of his project work,
in partial fulfilment of the requirement of Bachelor degree of Science in
Botany.

His sincere efforts may be acknowledged.

Date: (Dr. Alee Sarma)

Place: HOD, Deptt. Of Botany
Dimoria College, Khetri.
Dr. Siva P K Chetri
Asstt. Professor
Department of Botany Ph. No: 7002279498
Dimoria College, Khetri Email ID: sibadupkc@gmail.com

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Sekhar Suman Deka, a student of B.Sc 6th

semester, Department of Botany, Dimoria College, Khetri has completed his
dissertation on paper BOT-HE-6036 entitled “The Study Of Utility Of Gobar
Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village” for his B.Sc degree in Botany
under my supervision and guidance.
He has carried out all necessary work and research on his own and
fulfilled the requirement for submission of the dissertation under Dimoria
College, Khetri, Kamrup Metro, Assam under Gauhati University.

His works are satisfactory. I wish him success in life.

Date: (Dr. Siva P K Chetri)

Asstt. Prof,
Place: Dimoria College, Khetri

.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is my privilege to offer my deep sense of gratitude to my guide Dr. Siva P K

Chetri, Asstt. Professor, Department of Botany, Dimoria College for his kind help,
encouragement and invaluable guidance. The interest he has shown and the time he has
devoted for my project work is beyond my expression and for this, I shall remain indebted
to him.

I would like to offer my deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Biman Kumar Bhatta,
Hon’ble Principal, Dimoria College, Khetri for his eager support and permission he has
granted to carry on my dissertation.

I am thankful to Dr. Alee Sarma, Hon’ble Head, Department of Botany, and Dr.
S.A. Iman Choudhury, Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Dimoria College,
Khetri for their kind advice and Guidance.

I also want to thank my friends, family members of Department of Botany, Dimoria

College, Khetri for their constant encouragement and help.

(Sekhar Suman Deka)

Date: B.Sc 6th Semester
Department of Botany
Dimoria College, Khetri
Place:
 Content

Chapter Topic Page No.

Chapter- I Introduction 1 – 14
1.1: About biogas 1–4
1.2: Biogas is a form of renewable energy 4
1.3: Biogas is not new 4
1.4: Importance of Biogas technology 4–5
1.5: Properties of biogas as a fuel 5
1.6: Advantage of anaerobic digestion 5–6
1.7: Types of Biogas Plant 6–9
1.8: Factors affecting the Biogas digestion process 9 – 14
1.8: Review of Literature 11 – 14

Chapter- II Aims and Objectives 15

Chapter- III Environmental analysis of the study area 16 – 18

3.1 Location of Maloibari village 16
3.2 About Maloibari village 16 –18

Chapter- IV Methods and methodology 19 – 22

4.1 Selection of site for biogas plant 19 –20
4.2 Selecting a biogas plant 20
4.3 Types of biogas plant 20 –21
4.4 Socio economic condition of the people 21 –22

Chapter- V Data collection and their analysis and result 23 –33

5.1 Types of biogas plant at Malaybari village 23
5.2 Raw material used for gobar gas production 23
 5.3 Socio- economic condition of the people of
Malobari 23 –26
5.4 Popularity of Biogas on Maloibari village 26 – 31
5.5 Subsidy recived from government for gobar gas 31
5.6 Comparative note on Biogas & LPG 32
5.7 Advantage of Biogas over LPG 32 –33

Chapter-VI Conclusion 34 – 37
6.1 Benefit and impact of biogas technology 34 – 35
6.2 Advantages of using biogas 36
6.3 Utilities of biogas 36 – 37

BIBLIOGRAPHY 38 – 40
PHOTO PLATES 41 – 42
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Chapter- I
Introduction
1.1 About Biogas:

Biogas is the gas produced by fermentation of organic matter (animal and

vegetable) in the absence of oxygen and it is mainly composed of methane (CH4). Its

production can take place from different ways:

Naturally:

• In moors and lakes, biogas is produced by the organic sediments accumulated at the

bottom

• In landfills which contains organic wastes

Artificially in anaerobic digesters, where it is heated, with:

• Sewage sludge

• Municipal waste (like food waste)

• Manure or dung in farms

• Energy crops (like maize silage)

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Fig: 1.1: Biogas Cycle

The biogas also known as Gobar gas in India. The other name is a marsh, wet gas

and swamp gas. The main contain bio gas is methane approximate 55 to 65% and carbon

dioxide about 30 to 40%. Other than this is a very small percentage of ammonia, hydrogen,

sulphide and nitrogen available in biogas. Biogas is having calorific value 5000 to

5500kcal/kg. It is suited for lighting, cooking, drying and fuel for internal combustion

engines. The storage and liquefy of biogas is difficult. Biogas can be produced by

fermentation through anaerobic digestion of organic material. The container in which

digestion takes place is called digester. A Common material used as feedstock is an animal

waste, crop residues, urban waste etc. Other material such as sugarcane trash, rice husk,

tobacco waste, cotton dust, tea waste, fruit and vegetable waste, branches and leaves of

trees are also used. Any organic cellulose material from animal or plant that is easily

biodegradable is a potential raw material for biogas production.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Carbohydrates Sugar
Carbonic
acid and
alcohol Hydrogen Acitic Methane Carbon
Fats Fatty acids acid Carbon di Dioxide
oxide
Hydrogen
Carbon
Protein Amino acids dioxide
Ammonia

Fig: 1.2: Flow chart showing biogas production process

When biomass decomposes in open air, is acted upon by aerobic bacteria to produce carbon

dioxide and ammonia; thus, the total carbon component oxidized to produce carbon

dioxide. Biogas is produced from weight biomass with 90% water for the action of

anaerobic bacteria. Part of the carbon is oxidized and another part reduced to produce

carbon dioxide and methane (CH4). These bacteria live and grow with very less amount of

oxygen. The process conducted in weight, warm in dark conditions. The airtight container

used for conversion is called digester. The conversion process is called anaerobic

fermentation or bio digestion. The soluble nitrogen compounds known as nutrients

available in solution and produces good quality fertilizer with methane gas. The available

energy from the combustion of biogas is 60%- 90% of the input dry matter heat of

combustion. Thus, the efficiency of a process is the rest between 60% to 90%. For a

generation of bio gas, the chemical process occurs in three stages [4]. Stage 1. – The

biomass feed in a digester in which organic matter containing a complex compound

(carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) is broken down in the presence of water called

hydrolysis. The large molecules of polymers are reduced to small molecules of monomers.

These operations complete in one or two days at 25˚C in a digester [4]. Stage 2. – The

anaerobic bacteria that can grow without oxygen are to gather known as acid formers that

produced acetic and propionic acids. In these stages, carbon dioxide is also released this

stage takes about one day time at 25˚C. Stage 3. – In this stage due to anaerobic bacteria

3
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

reaction, the methane, carbon dioxide and less quantity of hydrogen gas is produced. These

processes take about two weeks to complete at 25˚C.

1.2 Biogas is a form of renewable energy:

Flammable biogas can be collected using a simple tank; animal manure is stored in a closed

tank where the gas accumulates. It makes an excellent fuel for cook stoves & furnaces and

can be used in place of regular natural gas which is fossil fuel. Biogas is considered to be

a source of renewable energy. This is because the production of biogas depends on the

supply of cow dung excreted by cows and oxen. By comparison, the natural gas used our

homes is not considered as a form of in most of renewable energy.

1.3 Biogas is not new:

People have been using Biogas for over 200 years. In the days before electricity, biogas

was drawn from the underground sewer pipes in London & burned in street a lamp which

is known as gaslight. In many parts of the world, biogas is used to heat & light homes to

cook & even to fuel buses. It is collected from large scale sources such as landfills & pig

barns & through small domestic or community systems in many villages.

1.4 Importance of Biogas technology:

The enormous potential of biogas estimated at 19,500MW. The capacity was derived

principally estimated agriculture residues & dung from India's 283 million cattle (National

Diary Development Board). Biogas technology is a particularly useful system in the India

rural economy & can fulfil several end uses. The gas is useful as a fuel substitute firewood,

dung, agricultural residues, petrol, diesel & electricity depending on the nature of the task

4
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

& local supply condition & cons traits thus supplying energy for cooking & lightning.

Biogas system also provides a residue organic waste after anaerobic digestion that has

superior nutrient qualities over the usual organic fertilizer, cattle dung as it is a form of

ammonia. Anaerobic digester also functions as a waste after anaerobic digestion that has

superior nutrient qualities over the usual organic fertilizers, cattle dung as it is a form of

ammonia. Anaerobic digesters also function as a waste disposal system, particularly for

human waste & can therefore prevent industries are also made possible from the scale of

surplus gas to the provision of power for rural industries. Therefore, biogas may also

provide the user with income generating opportunities. The gas can be used to power engine

in a dual fuel mix with petrol & diesel & can aid in pumped irrigation systems. Apart from

the direct gleaned from biogas system; there are other association with this renewable

technology. By providing an alternative 'source of fuel, biogas can replace the traditional

biomass-based fuel notably wood. Introduced on a significant scale, biogas may reduce the

dependence on wood from forests.

1.5 Properties of biogas as a fuel:

Energy density is 22.35 to 24.22 (MJ/m3). Octane rating is 110. Ignition Temperature is

650˚C. For complete combustion, the Air to Methane ratio (volume) is 10 to 1. An

explosive limit to air is 5 to 10 by volume. Methane is a key element in biogas. It is also

used in internal combustion engine as a fuel but after certain treatment. The raw biogas

contains corrosive property that can reduce the life of an engine.

1.6: Advantage of anaerobic digestion:

• Waste material is used to produce energy.

• 2. By anaerobic digestion, two types of products are formed- Fuel in the form of

biogas and fertilizers in the form of sludge/slurry.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

• 3. The Energy requirement of industry like dairy farm can be met from anaerobic

digestion of the waste.

• 4. The system is completely enclosed; the odours are contained. Digested slurry is

odourless.

1.7: Types of Biogas Plant:

Mainly Biogas are classified as

• Batch type

• Continuous type

▪ Floating drum (constant pressure) type,

▪ Fixed dome (constant volume) type

Batch type:

This type of plant requires feeding in every 50 to 60 days gap. After feeding 8 to 10 days

are required to supply the gas and continuously for 40 to 50 days till the process of digestion

is completed and after sometimes it is emptied and recharged. The Battery of digesters is

charged and emptied one by one to maintain a regular supply of gas through a common gas

holder. The installation and operation of these types of plants are capital and labour

intensive. They are non-economical unless operated on the large scale. These types of

plants are mainly installed in European countries as they do not suit the condition in Indian

rural areas

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Fig: 1.3: Batch type biogas plant

Continuous type

This type of plant requires daily feeding with a certain quantity of biomass. The gas is

stored in a plant or the separate gas holder and is available for further use. The biomass

when slowly passed through digester gets completely digested, and digested slurry is given

out through an outlet. The period in which the biomass remains in the digester is known as

retention period. This period mainly depends on the type of biomass and operating

temperature. The plant is continuously operated and stops only for removal of sludge i.e.

undigested biomass residue. The thin dry layer formed at the top of the slurry is known as

scum. The function of scum is to prevent the escape of gas from the slurry. The breaking

down of layer takes place when the slurry is slowly stirred, and it also helps in digestion

process due to better mixing. The feeding pattern of such plants matches with daily waste

generation and does not require its storage; therefore, they are convenient for individual

owners. These types of plants are mainly popular in India and China

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Fig: 1.4: Continuous type biogas plant

Floating drum types biogas plant

Khadi Village Industries Commission India develops a domestic biogas plant. In this plant,

a mild steel drum is used as a gas holder. This drum is most expensive component in this

plant and covered by masonry construction with a partitioning wall that creates a required

condition for the growth of acid formers and methane formers. This plant produces a good

biogas yield.

Fig: 1.5: Floating drum type biogas plan

Fixed dome types biogas plant

This type of plant requires only masonry work that’s why it’s economical in construction.

Pressure in gas varies depending on the production and consumption rate. A dome structure

is very strong for outside pressure but weaker for inside pressure. A skilled masonry is

required for construction of dome as gas exerts pressure from inside out, the dome structure

may be failed. The slurry enters from the inlet, and the digested slurry is collected in

8
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

displacement tank. If the raw material is crop residue than stirring is required. As there is

no bifurcation in digester chamber, therefore the gas production is somewhat very low as

compared to floating point design. The gas stored in the dome is stored in the dome and

displaces liquid in inlets and outlet, sometimes leading gas pressure as high as 100 cm of

water. The gas occupies about 10% of the volume of the digester. The complete plant is

constructed underground therefore temperature tends to remain constant and is often higher

than in winter. Many variations in basic models are developed keeping in view the

portability, ease of installation and maintenance, local availability of material and cost.

Fig: 1.6: Fixed dome type biogas plant

1.8: Factors Affecting the Biogas Digestion Process:

▪ Temperature

Methane forming bacteria works best in temperature ranges 20 to 55˚C. Digestions at

higher temperature proceed more rapidly than at lower temperature, with gas yield in rates

doubling at about every 5˚C increase in temperature. The gas production decreases sharply

below 20˚C and almost stops at 10˚C. Raising temperature accelerates the gas production;

however, its methane content gets relatively reduced.

▪ Pressure

A minimum pressure of 6 to 10 cm of water column i.e.,1.2 bar is considered ideal for

proper functioning of the plant, of the plant, and it should never exceed 40 to 50 cm of the

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

water column. Excess pressure leads to masonry through microscopes and inhibits gas to

release from the slurry.

▪ Solid to moisture ratio in biomass

The Presence of water is essential for hydrolysis process and activity of extra cellular

Enzymes. That helps in better mixing of various constituent of biomass, movement of

Bacteria and faster digestion rate. At higher water level, gas production drops but if the

water level is too low, more acid accumulation takes place, and it stops the fermentation

process. Raw cow dung contains 80% by weight, and it is mixed with equal amount of

water to minimize solid content up to 10%.

▪ pH Value

The value of pH during acid forming stage is up to 6 or less than 6. But during methane

formation stage pH value goes up to 6.5 to 7.5.

▪ Feeding Rate

In the excessive feeding of raw material at a time, an acid will accumulate, and digestion

Process stops. A uniform feeding rate in the proper interval of 50 days, amount equal 0.02

of the volume of the digester should be maintained.

The methane content depends on the feed material. Some typical values are as follows

▪ Cattle manure 65%

▪ Poultry manure 60%
▪ Pig manure 67%
▪ Farmyard manure 55%
▪ Straw 59% Grass 70%
▪ Leaves 58%
▪ Kitchen waste 50%
▪ Algae 63%
▪ Water hyacinths 52%

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

1.9: Review of Literature:

A Brief Review of the recent work:

The growth of literature and data based on Biogas in special reference to Gobar gas

studies have been really tremendous in the last few decades. An exhaustive literature survey

is thus impossible task. Therefore, only few are discussed below:

1. Debaditya Raha, Michel L. Clarke; University of Nottingham, UK and Pinakeswar

Mahanta, department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati (2014) had made, ‘The

implementation of Decentralised biogas plant in Assam, NE India; The impact and

effectiveness of the National Biogas and manure management programme ‘.

This paper deals with the Indian Government’s National Biogas and manure

management programme seeks to deliver renewable energy services to households across

the country by facilitating the development of family sized anaerobic digesters. They

analyse the scheme in Assam, NE, India, focusing on how policy was implemented across

two districts and interviewing stakeholders in rural households who can afford to

participate.

2. Mohammad Nazir (1991) Biotechnology and Food Research Centre, PC SIR

Laboratories Complex, Lahore Pakistan, had made, ‘Biogas plants construction technology

for rural areas.

In this paper, the suitability of a number of different anaerobic digester designs for

use in rural regions of Pakistan, has been investigated. Biogas production in family sized

vertical biogas plant increased in summer and decreased in winter, providing unsuitable for

cold areas. These innovations also reduce corrosion, avoided excessive dilution of slurry

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

by rain water, made the plant more sanitary and reduced order. A horizontal biogas plant

was comparatively expensive but was suitable for those areas where the water table was

high.

This paper also focus that Chinese biogas plant showed persistent leakage and

seepage problems, moreover the gas pressure is low. French type biogas plant worked

efficiently in cold weather and are recommended for those areas where the atmospheric

temperature drops below 00C. Plastic and rubber bag biogas plants could not be

recommended.

3. Shivika Mittal and Erik O. Ahlgren, Division of Energy Technology, Department of

Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden and P.R Shukla,

Public system Group, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (2018); had made

“Barriers to biogas dissemination in India-A review”.

This study aims to identify both technical and non-technical barriers impending

biogas dissemination in India. The results show that type and importance of barriers vary

strongly between biogas systems due to the differences in technology maturity, feedstock

availability and quality, supply chain, awareness level and policy support.

4. U.J. Ovueni, Department of Basic Science School of general studies, Auchi Polytechnic,

Edo State, Nigeria, had made, “Comparative study of the heating capacity of biogas and

conventional cooking gas, 2014. A comparative study of the heating capacity of biogas and

conventional cooking gas was carried out using a biogas stove constructed from a 500*500

Ansum camping gas burner & one inch angle bar metal. The lumen of the gas supply jet

was increased with a 3.5mm drill bit. The heating 1000cm3 of water for 4 minutes, taking

the temperature readings at 20s interval. The mean temperature rises of water heated for 4

minutes using biogas stove 27.8 degree Celsius giving an average of 0.12-degree Celsius

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

rise per second: This compared favourably with that of the conventional Ansum 500*500

camping gas with an average of 0.13-degree Celsius rise in temperature, per second.

Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U test (P<0.05) indicate no significant difference

between the heating capacity of the operating at a power rating of 486.5W. Comparing this

with the estimated energy content of biogas feed, the efficiency of the stove was estimated

energy content of biogas feed, the efficiency of the stove was estimated to be 38.4%. This

was based on the assumption that the methane content of biogas was 45%. This efficiency

assessment is the best the stove can obtain as higher methane content will mean rebut, n in

efficiency estimate.

5. Rajendra Beedu and Prantik Modi; 2014, had made, “Design of biogas generation plant

based on food waste”.

This paper deals with the design and fabrication of a food waste-based biogas

generation system. An experimental setup is designed and implemented and the paper

illustrates the working principle, chemical analysis, cost effectiveness of biogas plant

compared to Liquid Petroleum Gas. The paper also explains the method of transportation

of waste food from different locations to multiple biogas plants.

6. Nitin A. Wankhade, Dr. S.B.Thakre, A.V.Dhote and P.S.Wankhade; Department of

Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Ram Meghe Institute of Technology Research Badnera,

Maharashtra, 2012; had made, “ Enhancement of Biogas from Abattoir Cow Liquor Waste

with some Agro-Industrial Waste.”

This paper was carried out on the production of biogas from abattoir cow liquor

waste on biogas production of some agro-industrial wastes. The wastes were combined in

the ratios: -

Cow Liquor Waste (CLW): Brewery Spunt (BS); 1:1,

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Cow Liquor Waste (CLW): Carbonate Soft Drink Sludge (CS); 3:1,

Cow Liquor Waste (CLW): Casrava waste (CW) ; 1:3.

The results obtained indicated increased biogas production when BS and CW were

inoculated with CLW, while it had a negative effect on CS. Overall results found that while

the low biogas or flammable biogas production of brewery spent grain could be enhanced

significantly in the presence of cow liquor waste. Cassava waste water which could not

produce biogas.

Brian Herringshaw, College of Food, Agriculture and Biological Engineering,

Ohiso state University ;2009, had made, “A study of Biogas Utilization efficiency

Highlighting Internal Combustion Electrical Generator Units”.

This study was to determine the efficiency of methane utilization for a currently

operating anaerobic digestion system on an agricultural facality. A dairy anaerobic digestor

was chosen for the study.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Chapter: II
Aims and Objectives

Gobar gas plays an important role in the sustainable development of a country.

The main aim of this study is to survey of Gobar gas plant in an around Maloibari

village and to know their utility.

To fulfil the aim some objectives are:

i. To study the installation about Gobar plant.

ii. To study the socio- economic condition of the people of the village.

iii. To study the energy efficiency of Gobar gas and L.P.G.

iv. Subsidy received from the Government.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Chapter: III

Environmental analysis of the study area

3.1 Location of Maloibari village:

Maloibari Gaon village is located in Sonapur subdivision of Kamrup Metropolitan

district in Assam, India. It is situated 60km away from district headquarter Sonapur.

Sonapur is the sub-district headquarter of Maloibari Gaon village. As per 2009 stats,

Maloibari is the gram panchayat of Maloibari Gaon village.

According to Census 2011 information the location code or village code of

Maloibari Gaon village is 303550. The total geographical area of village is 116.5 hectares.

Maloibari Gaon has a total population of 1,959 peoples, out of which male population is

989 while female population is 970. There are about 407 houses in maloibari gaon village.

Guwahati is nearest town to maloibari gaon for all major economic activities, which

is approximately 60km away.

3.2 About Maloibari village:

Maloibari Gaon is a medium size village located in Sonapur Circle of Kamrup

Metropolitan district, Assam with total 407 families residing. The Maloibari Gaon village

has population of 1959 of which 989 are males while 970 are females as per Population

Census 2011.

In Maloibari Gaon village population of children with age 0-6 is 235 which makes

up 12.00 % of total population of village. Average Sex Ratio of Maloibari Gaon village is

981 which is higher than Assam state average of 958. Child Sex Ratio for the Maloibari

Gaon as per census is 1098, higher than Assam average of 962.

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Maloibari Gaon village has higher literacy rate compared to Assam. In 2011,

literacy rate of Maloibari Gaon village was 85.96 % compared to 72.19 % of Assam. In

Maloibari Gaon Male literacy stands at 91.79 % while female literacy rate was 79.93 %.

As per constitution of India and Panchyati Raaj Act, Maloibari Gaon village is

administrated by Sarpanch (Head of Village) who is elected representative of village. Our

website, don't have information about schools and hospital in Maloibari Gaon village.

Table: 3.1: Some important data of Maloibari Gaon

Particulars Total Male Female

Total No. of Houses 407 - -

Population 1,959 989 970

Child (0-6) 235 112 123

Schedule Caste 847 424 423

Schedule Tribe 11 6 5

Literacy 85.96 % 91.79 % 79.93 %

Source: Data are collected from secondary source

Connectivity of Maloibari Gaon

Type Status

Public Bus Service Available within village

Private Bus Service Available within village

Railway Station Available within 5 - 10 km distance

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The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Fig: 3.1: Map of Study Area

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Chapter IV

Methods And Methodology

4.1 Selection of site for biogas plant:

Following factors must be considered while selecting the site for a biogas plant.

• Distance: The distance between the plant and the site of gas consumption should

be less in order to achieve economy in pumping of gas and minimizing gas leakage.

For a plant capacity 25 m3, the optimum distance in m.

• Minimum gradient: For conveying the gas a minimum gradient of must be

available for the line.

• Open space: The sunlight should fall on the plant as temperature between 150c to

300c is essential for gas generation at good rate.

• Water table: The plant is normally constructed underground for ease of charging

the feed and unloading slurry requires less labour. In such cases care should be

taken to prevent the seepage of water and the plant should not be constructed if the

water table is more than 10ft (3m)

• Seasonal run off: Proper care has to be taken to prevent the interference runoff of

water during monsoon. Intercepting ditches or bunds may be constructed.

• Distance from wells: The seepage of fermented slurry may pollute the well water.

Hence minimum of 15m should be maintained from the wells.

• Space requirements: Sufficient space must be available as the cow dung slurry

with solid concentration of 7% to 9%.

• Availability of water: Plenty of water must be available as the cow dung slurry

with solid concentration of 7%to9% is used.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

• Source of Cow dung/materials for biogas production: The distance between the

materials for biogas generation and the gas plant site should be minimum to

economise the transportation cost.

4.2 Selecting a biogas plant:

A biogas plant of specific capacity can be selected based on daily availability of

cattle dung and water requirement and on the cooking energy demands.

For selection of size following aspects should be considered by a particular family.

Table: 4.1: Family sized biogas plant

Sl. No. Plant size No. of Dung and water Food prepared for
cattle mixture per day person per day
1 1m3 2–3 25 kgX25L 3–4
2 2m3 4–6 50 kgX50L 5–8
3 3m3 7–9 75 kgX75L 8 – 12
4 4m3 10 – 12 100 kgX100L 12 – 16
Source: Data are collected from secondary source

In order to decide a suitable size for a biogas unit actual availability of cattle dung

should be assessed. Factors such as type and size of cattle quantity of feed given

and time period, for which cattle are stable bound, etc, should be considered to

determine the daily availability of dung. Two calves maybe taken as equal to one

adult for arriving at the number of cattle heads.

4.3 Types of biogas plant:

The different design variation of family type biogas plants available at present in our

country include:

• KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) design.

20
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

• PRAD (Planning, Research and Action division) design (modification of Chinese

design)

• ASTRA (Application of Science and technology to Rural areas) design

• Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre design

• Tamil Nadu Agricultural University dome type design

• Himachal Pradesh capsule design

• Kuch-pucca Model of Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana

• AFPRO (Action of Food Production) Design

• Plug flow design

• Roorkee design

• Deenbandhu design

• Fibre glass fixed dome design

• Mobile biogas plants

• Plastic emulsion coated, heavily insulted temperature controlled Switerland biogas

plants.

• Ganesh Model

The various design listed above have their own merits and demerits. They are

popularing different regions depending upon the choice of the beneficiaries.

There are mainly two types of biogas model namely KVIC type and Deen Bandhu

Model which are more common for rural area. Depending upon various factor and

prevailing situation of concerned beneficiaries. The details of comparative

suitability are being presented herewith for kind reference.

4.4 Socio- economic condition of the people:

On the basis of the literature, the most obvious measures are the:

21
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

• Education

• Income

• Occupation

Socio economic survey tools are designed to collect information as a means of

improving understanding of local resource management system, resource use and the

relative importance of resources for households and villages.

Socio economic data are collected through questionnaire, interviews, focus group

discussions, and other participatory approaches. Primary data are raw data while

secondary data are already processed and stored in any other forms – soft copy or hard

copy.

4.5 Energy efficiency:

An experiment to check the energy efficiency of both LPG and Biogas was

performed to get a better result of heating capacity efficiency of both biogas and LPG by

boiling water.

22
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Chapter: V

Data Collection and their Analysis and Result:

5.1. Types of Biogas Plant at Maloibari Village:

On the basis of field survey, it is found that \the most commonly used biogas plant

at Maloibari village is Deen Bandhu Model.

Out of three types of Biogas Plant such as individual family size, community size and

institutional size, the individual family sized Biogas plant is seen in the Maloibari Region.

5.2: Raw Materials Used for Gobar Gas Production in Dimoria

As surveyed in different areas of Maloibari Region, the main raw materials used for

the production of Gobar Gas is the Cow dung.

The potential gas production from the available feedstock can be calculated from the table

given below.

Table: 5.1: potentiality of gas production from the available feedstock

Potential Gas Gas yield Normal manure Gas yield per day (m3)
Production 3
from /kg(m ) availability per
available feed animal per day(kg)
stock
Cattle Dung 0.036 10 0.36
Source: Data are collected from field study

5.3: Socio-Economic Condition of the people of Maloibari:

The survey is conducted by using interview method. During interview, data has

been collected in structured questionnaires keeping all the objectives in mind. The data

relating to the socio-economic structure has been recorded at the household level on the

basis of their availability and consent. The present study is based on primary survey in

which samples of 407 households out of 150 households have been taken randomly for the

23
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

analysis. The relevant data were collected from demographic, social and economic aspects.

All the collected data were converted into relative number such as percentage to observe

the overall situation.

With respect to the sources of income and the pattern of livelihood, the present

study has analysed the occupations of the sample household, which are classified as –

Farming: It includes those who are engaged in agriculture, such as farmers, agriculture

labour, etc. Non-farming-I: It includes services both in public and private sectors, retired

or pensioner, self-employed, professionals, etc. Non-farming-II: It includes petty/small,

medium and large business, fishing/fish selling, dairy, poultry farming, livestock

production, etc. Non-farming-III: It includes skilled/semi-skilled labour, small artisan in

households and cottage industry, etc. Non-farming-IV: It includes construction related

works, daily wage labour, domestic servant, transport workers, etc. Others: It includes

housewife, students, unemployed, etc. This category is about those who do not earn any

income.

Table: 5.2: Socio economic status of Maloibari Gaon

Occupation Sample households
No. Percentage
Farming 87 58%
Non farming I 32 21.3%
Non farming II 21 14%
Non farming III 3 2%
Non farming IV 7 13.42%
Source: Data are collected from field study

24
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Sample households
3
7
21

32 87

Farming Non farming I Non farming II Non farming III Non farming IV

Fig: 5.1: Socio economic status of Maloibari Gaon

The occupational distribution of the sample respondents in the study area is

presented in Table5.2. It is found that 58 per cent of the sample respondents are engaged in

agriculture. Remaining all the sample respondents, 21.3 per cent are engaged in activities

of category of Non-farming-I; 14 per cent are engaged in Non-farming-II; 2 per cent

International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, engaged in Non-farming-III and

13.42 per cent are engaged in economic activities of category of Non-farming-IV. transport

and communication facilities, lack of marketing facility, uneducated and untrained labour

force, affected by flood several times in a year, poor economic condition, high population

growth, lack of industrialization especially small and village industries, underdeveloped

socio-economic infrastructure, etc. are mainly responsible for it. All these causes a

constraint to the inhabitants for engaging other sources of income in the char areas of

Assam. Thus, they are forced to engage in agriculture as the major source for their

livelihood.

The literacy rate of the sample households of 150, there are 714 individuals has also

been studied and it is presented in the Table5.3. It is found that the rate of literacy in the

area is medium.

25
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Table: 5.3: Literacy rate of the sampled households

Category No. of individuals Percentage

Below 10th 193 27.03%

10th pass 221 30.95%

HS pass 202 28.29%

Graduate 196 27.45%

Post graduate 6 0.84%

Source: Data are collected from field study

Literacy rate of Maloibari Village

Below 10th 10th pass HS pass Graduate Post graduate

Fig: 5.2: Literacy rate of the sampled households

5.4: Popularity of Biogas on Maloibary village:

The survey is also conducted by using interview method. During interview, data has

been collected in structured questionnaires keeping all the objectives in mind.

Number of people supporting biogas technology is shown in the table:

26
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Table: 5.4: Questionnaires

Do you know about the Biogas (Gobar Gas) Plant?

A Yes No

90 10

Is biogas an environment friendly Gas?

B Yes No

73 27

Biogas slurry is used in Agriculture.

C Yes No

92 8

Biogas reduces Deforestation.

D Yes No

72 28

Biogas improves sanitary conditions.

E Yes No

60 40

Biogas is better than LPG

F Yes No

95 5

Source: Data are collected from field survey

27
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Results from Questionnaire:

Data from Social Survey are also important to make sure that the study achieves its

objectives. The data are gained by giving some questionnairs to the villagers of the Maloibari

Region. After analyzing the data, some useful information is obtained and has been summarised

using Pie Diagram. Following are the figures that a picture of the results obtained from the

questionnaire.

10%
Do you know about the
Biogas (Gobar Gas) Plant?
Yes
Do you know about the
90% Biogas (Gobar Gas) Plant? No

Fig: 5.3: Percentage of individuals knowledge about Biogas(Gobar Gas)

Fig: 5.3 shows that 90 % individuals know about the Biogas(Gobar Gas) and rest of 10%

are not.

28
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

27%

Is biogas an environment
friendly Gas? Yes
73% Is biogas an environment
friendly Gas? No

Fig: 5.4: Percentage of individuals knowledge about Environmental friendly gas.

Fig: 5.4: Shows that 73% of individuals know about the environmental Friendly gas and

rest of 27% are not.

8%

Biogas slurry is used in

Agriculture. Yes
Biogas slurry is used in
92% Agriculture. No

Fig 5.5: Percentage of individuals know about the biogas slurry used in Agriculture.

Fig 5.5 show that 92 % individuals know about biogas slurry used in Agriculture and 8%

do not know.

29
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

28%

Biogas reduces
Deforestation. Yes
72% Biogas reduces
Deforestation. No

Fig 5.6: Percentage of individuals know about the Deforestation.

Fig 5.6 shows 72% of individuals knows that biogas reduces Deforestation & 28% does not

know.

40%
Biogas improves sanitary
60% conditions. Yes
Biogas improves sanitary
conditions. No

Fig 5.7: Percentage of individuals knows that Biogas improves Sanitary Conditions.

Fig 5.7 shows that 60% of individuals knows that biogas improves sanitary conditions &

40% does not know.

30
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

5%

Biogas is better than LPG Yes

Biogas is better than LPG No
95%

Fig: 5.8: Percentage of individuals opinion about Biogas is better than LPG.

Fig 5.8 shows that 95% individuals believes that Biogas is better than LPG & 5%

individuals do not.

5.5: Subsidy received from the Government for Gobar gas:

Maloibari village year wise subsidy for Gobar gas plant as follows:

Table: 5.5: Subsidy received from the Government for Gobar gas

Sl.no. Year Subsidy

no.
1 2007 2
2 2008 2
3 2009 2
4 2010 3
5 2011 3
6 2012 3
Total 15
Source: Data are collected from field survey

31
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

5.6: A Comparative note on Biogas & L.P.G:

LPG is easy to control on & off activation at the twist of a knob thus offering better

control over cooking. In addition, adjustment of intensity size in the form of visible blue

flame is easy to regulate the required rate of heating, making it possible to cook at desired

temperature. It can cook fast than any other fuel because of its high calorific value. LPG

stoves emit less overall heat than any other cooking devices thus keeping our kitchen

temperature unaffected. It creates the least greenhouse gas emission of all the available

fossil fuels. It contains the very less amount of sulphur, nitrogen & other particulate matter

that are harmful to the environmental cooking with LPG can help to reduce the greenhouse

emission up to 70%. It is easy to store an LPG cylinder in the kitchen as it occupies little

space. Unlike cooking fuels like firewood, charcoal& kerosene, LPG does not leave ash,

soot or harmful smoke. LPG is an economical fuel. LPG stoves and burners require less

maintenance as compared to other cooking forms. LPG is convenient and safe to use.

An experiment to check the energy efficiency of both LPG and Biogas was

performed to get a better result of heating capacity efficiency of both biogas and LPG by

boiling water. When water is boiled using biogas it took 6 minutes 20 seconds at 1000C

while the same process took 5 minutes using LPG.

5.7: Advantages of biogas over LPG:

• Provides a non-polluting & renewable source of energy.

• Efficient way of energy conversion (saves fuel wood)

• Saves women & children from drudgery of collection & carrying of firewood

exposure to smoke in the kitchen & time consumed for cooking & cleaning.

• Produces enriched organic manure, which can supplement or replace chemical

fertilizer.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

• Leads to improvement in the environment & sanitation & hygienic.

• Leads to employment generation in rural areas.

• Household wastes & bio waste can be disposed of usefully & in a healthy manner.

• Any biodegradable matter can be used as substrate.

• Anaerobic digestion in actives pathogens & parasites & is quite effective in

reducing the incidence of water borne disease.

• Environmental benefits on a global scale.

• Biogas plants significantly lower the greenhouse effect on the earth's atmosphere.

The plants lower CH4 emission by entrapping the harmful gas & using it as fuel.

33
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

Chapter: VI

Conclusion

A Study on Gobar gas Plant and their utility in the houses of Maloibari village is

based on the utilities of Biogas and it will help us to know the environmental significance

of the area and how a pollution free technology is carried out in an urban city which is

economical in its sense. The usage of biogas systems in an agrarian community can increase

agriculture productivity.

Biogas (Gobar gas) has the certain properties, can be used as a fuel for cooking,

heating and lightning. These properties are: Non-poisonous nature, Burns with clean bluish

Bootless flame, No offensive smell, Easy to produce as well as has higher heating value

than producer gas, coal gas and water gas etc. When we evaluate the biogas plants from a

macro-economic point of view there several reasons why price adjustments are in favour

of the biogas technology are required. Biogas use, replacing conventional fuels like

kerosene or firewood, allow for the conservation of environment. It therefore, increases its

own value but the value of i.e., forest saved or planted. Biogas production shall influence

the utility function of the consumer (i.e., Better sanitary and hygienic conditions) and the

social welfare function of the society (i.e., reduced health costs). Labour intensive

decentralized biogas units, on regular level, improve distribution amongst income brackets

and regional disparities, enhancing the attractiveness of rural life.

6.1: Benefits and Impact of Biogas Technology:

a) Reduction of pathogenic capacity:

The processing of animal and human excrement in biogas system obviously

improves sanitary conditions for the plant owners, their families and the entire community.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

The initial pathogenic capacity of the starting materials is greatly reduced by the

fermentation process

b) Reduced of disease transmission:

Since biogas slurry does not attract files other vermin, the vectors for contagious

diseases, for humans and animals alike, are reduced. Furthermore, eye infections and

respiratory problems, attributable to soot and smoke from the burning of dried cow dung

and firewood are mitigated.

c) Economic value:

For the user of biogas technology, health effects are tangible with regards to smoke

reduction in the kitchen. The reduction of parasitic disease can only be felt if the numbers

of biogas system in an area reaches a critical threshold.

d) Nutrition:

The permanent availability of cooking in a household with a well-functioning

biogas plant can have effects on nutritional patterns. With easy access to energy, the

number of warm meals may increase. Whole grain and beans may be cooked longer,

increasing their digestibility, especially for children. Water may be boiled more regularly

water-borne diseases.

e) Culture and education:

The use of biogas for lighting can lead to profound changes in the way families

integrate in the cultural and educational sectors. Biogas lightning makes it possible to

engage in activities at night such as reading or attending evening courses.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

f) Reducing deforestation as a benefit:

Well-functioning biogas plants can replace the entire consumption of fire woods or

charcoal of an individual household by biogas.

6.2: Advantages of using biogas:

• Provides a non-polluting & renewable source of energy.

• Efficient way of energy conversion (saves fuel wood)

• Saves women & children from drudgery of collection & carrying of firewood

exposure to smoke in the kitchen & time consumed for cooking & cleaning.

• Produces enriched organic manure, which can supplement or replace chemical

fertilizer.

• Leads to improvement in the environment & sanitation & hygienic.

• Leads to employment generation in rural areas.

• Household wastes & bio waste can be disposed of usefully & in a healthy manner.

• Any bio-degradable matter can be used as substrate.

• Anaerobic digestion in actives pathogens & parasites & is quite effective in

reducing the incidence of water borne disease.

• Environmental benefits on a global scale.

• Biogas plants significantly lower the greenhouse effect on the earth's atmosphere.

The plants lower CH4 emission by entrapping the harmful gas & using it as fuel.

6.3 Utilities of biogas:

• Biogas is more economical than LPG.

• LPG is hazardous.

36
 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

• Gobar gas is safer than LPG.

• Gobar gas is pollution free and environmental friendly gas.

• Global Environmental benefits of biogas technology are:

▪ The use of renewable energy reduces the C02 emissions through a

reduction of the demand of fossil fuels.

▪ At the same time, by capturing uncontrolled methane emissions, the

second most important greenhouse gas is reduced. Gobar gas is

much more useful than LPG as it reduces global warming and it is

non-poisonous gas.

▪ The greenhouse effect is caused by gases in the atmosphere (carbon

dioxide mainly C02) which allow the sun's short-wave radiation to

reach the earth surface while they absorb, to a large degree, the long

wave heat radiation from the earth's surface and from atmosphere.

Thus, switching to a renewable energy.

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

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 The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

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The Study of Utility of Gobar Gas in The Households of Maloibari Village

PHOTO PLATES

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