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Renewable Energy Engineering: Solar, Wind

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and Biomass Energy Systems

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Module - 05

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Lecture – 01 (Part I)

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Prof. Vaibhav V. Goud and Dr. R. Anandalakshmi
ot eri

Department of Chemical Engineering

nn at

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

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Guwahati – 781039, Assam (India)

It is
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 d
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m of
Module Module name Lecture Content

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rio nd
Biomass Residues,

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05 Biomass conversion 01 (Part I) Biomass utilisation through Conversion

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routes Routes: Thermo Chemical Conversion

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 Biomass residues
Renewable Material

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and

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(Lignocellulosic (LB) and Herbaceous biomass (HB),
Municipal solid waste (MSW), Algae etc.) energy conversion

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routes/pathways

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Pre-treatment (Size reduction, Drying,

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Densification etc.)

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Biochemical Conversion Thermochemical Conversion

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(Fermentation and Anaerobic (Pyrolysis, Combustion and

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Digestion) Gasification)

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Upgrading and separations
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(Hydrotreating, Distillation)
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Liquid fuels, Chemicals and Electrical

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Energy
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Biomass energy conversion routes

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Effective Utilization of Biomass

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rio nd
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Improved Solid Fuels Liquid Fuels Gaseous Fuels

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(Pellets, Char Pellets)

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Thermochemical

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Thermochemical Gasification
(Pyrolysis Oil) (Producer Gas)
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Biochemical
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Biochemical
(Ethanol) Biomethanation
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(Biogas)
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Biomass energy conversion (sequence of energy transformations)

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Energy conversion: The transformation of energy from forms provided by nature to usable form of energy

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Biomass Biomass Biomass

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Production Harvesting Processing

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rio nd
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Anaerobic Mechanical
Combustion Pyrolysis Gasification Fermentation
Digestion Processing

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Char

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Fuel Biogas
Ethanol Oil Primary
Bio-oil gas
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Products
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Fuel
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gas
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Heat Electricity Chemicals Fuel Secondary

Products
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Physical method

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Preprocessing is the procedure by which a raw material is converted into a physical form suitable for an

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energy conversion process.

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The simplest method for physical conversion of biomass is compression of combustible material through the

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processes called briquetting and pelletization. In these processes biomass is densified into solid

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briquettes/pellets by reducing its volume.

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However, in agrochemical route of conversion, fuel oils is extracted from the plant products by expelling
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them. Also, light hydrocarbons may be obtained from freshly cut plants.
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* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
Physical Process: Types of Pellets/Briquettes:

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1. Biomass pellet 2. Sawdust briquette 3. Rice husk briquette

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4. Leaf briquette 5. Charcoal briquette

https://www.kingoro.com/media-center/152-152.html, https://www.exportersindia.com/padmavati-enterprises
https://www.biopelletmachine.com/biopellet-making-guidance/make-wood-pellets-with-sawmill-residues.html
1. Pelletization:

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• It is a process in which waste wood is pulverized, dried and forced under pressure through an

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extrusion device.

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• It is generally assumed that small particles with a large surface area will increase density and

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result in stronger pellets.

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• The final quality of pellets varies depending on the raw material properties and the

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manufacturing process.

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• A maximum content of 2% of additives is permitted in woody pellets.

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• Pelletization reduces the moisture to about 7 to 10 %
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• It increases the heat value of the biomass.
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• Pelletization of raw biomass facilitate its use in power plants and gasification system.
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2. Briquetting

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• Biomass briquettes are a replacement to coal and charcoal.

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• It can be used to heat industrial boilers in order to produce electricity from steam.

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• The briquettes are co-fired with coal in order to create the heat supplied to the boiler.

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• The moisture content of a briquette can be as low as 4%.

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rio nd
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3. Expelling agro products

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• Certain agro products such as vegetable oils may be obtained through expelling process and may be used as

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fuel in diesel engines.

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• Even though plant oils are contributing many advantages, but cannot be used directly in its natural (original)
be al
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form due to their higher viscosity and combustion deposits.

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• Thus, these oils (e.g. non- edible oil seeds) are upgraded by chemical method known as transesterification
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to over come these difficulties.

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 d
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4. Fuel extraction

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• The matter called exudates is obtained by cutting the stems or trunks of living plants.

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While, some plants are not amenable to tapping, in such cases the whole plant (shrub) is

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crushed to obtain the product. For example, Euphorbia lathyris

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Thermochemical Conversion Thermal Decomposition Processes for Biomass

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Biomass

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Thermal conversion processes for biomass involve

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some or all of the following processes 300 -650oC

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Pyrolysis

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rio nd
(HC, aldehydes, ketones,
Pyrolysis: Biomass + Heat Charcoal, oil, gas Char + Tar

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acids, alcohols etc.)

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Gasification: Biomass + Limited O2 Fuel gas O2

ith h
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Gasification 750-
1000oC

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Combustion:

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Biomass + Stoichiometric O2 be alHot combustion products HC, CO, H2, CO2, C
ot eri

O2
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850-
Combustion
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Thermal processes typically have high throughputs and can, 1100oC

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in principle, operate on any biomass form.

H2O, CO2
Combustion

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Chemically, combustion is an exothermic reaction between oxygen and hydrocarbons in the biomass. The

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biomass is oxidized into two major stable compounds H2O and CO2

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The overall equation of combustion reaction is the reverse of photosynthesis.

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BIOMASS + O2  CO2 + H2O + HEAT + (Other species)*

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*Moisture, CO, HC, Oxidized minerals,
*tar, Soot and other
Biomass combustion is a complex process that

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consists of consecutive heterogeneous and homo-
geneous reactions.
be al
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Stages of Combustion Ash Char Volatiles Water

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Biomass + O2 CO2 + H2O

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(CXHYOZ)

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Water evaporation

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Phase 1 50 – 100 °C

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VOLATILE

Phase 2 Volatile evaporation

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WOOD

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150 – 350 °C

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CHARCOAL

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O2 Partial combustion
Phase 3 of char into CO
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O2 Combustion of
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Phase 4 CO and volatiles

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= temp
Biomass Combustion

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When 1 mol of carbon is burnt completely in adequate air or oxygen, it produces ~ 394 kJ heat and carbon

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dioxide.

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This is a combustion reaction: 𝐶 + 𝑂2 𝐶𝑂2 − 393.77 k 𝐽Τ𝑚 𝑜𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑏𝑜𝑛

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 During combustion, molecules undergo chemical reactions.

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 The reactant atoms are rearranged to form new combinations (oxidized).

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 The reaction equations above represent initial and final results and do not indicate the actual path of the
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reaction, which may involve many intermediate steps and intermediate products.
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 This approach is similar to thermodynamics system analysis, where only end states and not path
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It is

mechanism are used.

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* Courtesy: Biomass gasification, pyrolysis and torrefaction, by P. Basu, 2nd edition, 2013, Publisher AP
However, in fuels, the combustion reactions are more complex than above:

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 In general, air is used in combustion than pure oxygen

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 Fuels consists of many elements such as C, H, N, S, O

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 In addition to complete combustions, fuels undergo incomplete combustions too.

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 Similarly, burning biomass is almost never complete. There is always incomplete combustion

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Complete combustion Incomplete combustion

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Hydrocarbon + O2  CO2 + H2O + HEAT + (Other species)* Hydrocarbon + O2  CO2 + H2O + HEAT + CO + C

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• In case of complete combustion, oxidation of both the • Even if the reactants of this type of combustion are the

ith h
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char and volatiles will occur and only water and CO2 same, in-complete combustion takes place when there is
will remain if the process is given enough heat, a shortage of air (oxygen),

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• Thus, instead of producing just carbon dioxide and
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turbulence and residence time.
• Given sufficient oxygen, complete combustion will take water, incomplete combustion also produces carbon
be al
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place. monoxide and/or carbon (soot).

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• At the end of complete combustion, it gives off non- • In case of in-complete combustion, it gives off toxic by-
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toxic by-products. (Pollutants from complete products (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH),
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combustion such as NOX (NO and NO2), CO2, and soot, carbon, H2, HCN, NH3, and N2O).
H2O)
 Heat and electricity are the two principle forms

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of energy derived from biomass.

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 Biomass (pellets) can be combusted with (co-

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generation) or without coal to produce

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electricity.

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 In combined heat and power (CHP) the waste Heat

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heat can be used to heat water.

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Biomass Combustion

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Electricity
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 d
(Overview of next lecture)

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Module 05

m of
(Biomass conversion routes)

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r p er
Lecture 01 (Part –II)

rio nd
Content Biomass Residues, Utilisation through

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Conversion Routes: Bio-Chemical and

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Thermo Chemical

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be al
Thank you
ot eri
nn at
ca m

For queries, feel free to contact at : vvgoud@iitg.ac.in

It is
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 d
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. G
on V
si .
is . V
Renewable Energy Engineering: Solar, Wind

m of
er Pr
and Biomass Energy Systems

r p er
rio nd
tp du
Module - 05

ou te
Lecture – 01 (Part-II)

ith h
w yrig
ed op
us is c
be al
Prof. Vaibhav V. Goud and Dr. R. Anandalakshmi
ot eri

Department of Chemical Engineering

nn at

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

ca m

Guwahati – 781039, Assam (India)

It is
Th
 d
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. G
on V
si .
is . V
m of
Module Module name Lecture Content

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r p er
rio nd
Utilisation through Conversion Routes: Bio-

tp du
05 Biomass conversion 01 (Part II) Chemical and Thermo Chemical

ou te
routes

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Thermal Decomposition Processes for Biomass

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Biomass

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Pyrolysis 300 -650oC

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rio nd
Char + Tar (HC, aldehydes, ketones, acids, alcohols etc.)

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O2

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750-1000oC

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Gasification

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be al HC, CO, H2, CO2, C

O2
ot eri

850-1100oC
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Combustion
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H2O, CO2
 Pyrolysis

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Unlike combustion, pyrolysis takes place in the total absence of oxygen or by partial combustion is allowed

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to provide the thermal energy needed for this process.

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Gas
•

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Unlike combustion, it is not exothermic.

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Radiative and
convective

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heat

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Liquid
• The process thermally decomposes

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sample into gas, liquid, and solid (char) Char
Conduction
Biomass Tar

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and pore

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by heating the sample above 300-400 oC. convection
Char

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Gas
Thermal

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BIOMASS + HEAT  Carbon + Liquid + Gaseous boundary
layer
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• The nature of product depends on several

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Primary decomposition Secondary decomposition

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factors, including pyrolysis temperature zone zone

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and heating rate.

* Courtesy: Biomass gasification, pyrolysis and torrefaction, by P. Basu, 2nd edition, 2013, Publisher AP
 Initial product of pyrolysis is made of condensable gases

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(heavier hydrocarbon molecules ) and solid char.

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The condensable gases may further break down into non-

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condensable gases like CO, CO2, H2 and CH4 (smaller

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Acetic acid

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hydrocarbon molecules), liquid and solid carbon as char.

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rio nd
Methane Hydrogen

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In this case, decomposition occurs mainly two ways,

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a. Partly through gas-phase homogeneous reactions

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b. Partly through gas-solid phase heterogeneous

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Carbon dioxide Phenol
reactions
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Cellulose
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Fast Pyrolysis: Produces mainly liquid fuel (bio-oil)

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Steam
Carbon monoxide Slow pyrolysis: Produces liquid, some gas and char.
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Benzene
* Courtesy: Biomass gasification, pyrolysis and torrefaction, by P. Basu, 2nd edition, 2013, Publisher AP
 d
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The pyrolysis process may be represented by generic reactions such as:

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ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
𝐶𝑛 𝐻𝑚 𝑂𝑃 (biomass) ෍ 𝐶𝑥 𝐻𝑦 𝑂𝑧 + ෍ 𝐶𝑎 𝐻𝑏 𝑂𝑐 + H2 𝑂 + C (char)

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𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑔𝑎𝑠

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 Pyrolysis is promising technique for conversion of waste biomass into useful liquid product (fuel).

ou te
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 Pyrolysis is an essential pre-step in a gasifier. Especially in reactors with rapid mixing, this step is

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relatively fast. be al
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Gasification

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• Gasification involves partial combustion and reduction of biomass. It requires a medium for reaction,

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which include air, oxygen, subcritical steam or a mixture of these.

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• Gasification converts fossil or non-fossil fuels into useful and convenient gaseous fuel and chemicals by

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thermal-chemical method without leaving any carbonaceous residue.

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rio nd
• It essentially converts a potential fuel from one form to another.

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• In a typical combustion process, generally the oxygen is surplus, while in a gasification process, the

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ith h
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fuel is surplus.

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The reaction in biomass gasification process occurs in four interrelated stages:

us is c
Process Conditions Reactions
be al
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Drying 100-200oC Moist sample and heat Dry wood and water vapour
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Pyrolysis 200-500oC Dry sample and heat Char + CO + CO2 + H2 + CH4 + tar and pyroligneous acids
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Gasification 500oC + Char + O2 + H2O CO + H2 + CO2

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Secondary reactions of
primary gases and tars
 d
Biomass

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Drying H2O
(C, H, O)

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heat

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(no Air/O2) Biomass Charcoal

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Pyrolysis (C, H, O) and Tar

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heat

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Processes

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in Gasification

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(O2 / Air)
H2O and CO2

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Combustion Charcoal

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be al heat
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(no O2) Hot H2 and CO

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Reduction Charcoal (C)

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heat
Biomass is a combination of C,H,O
Potential paths for gasification
Biomass

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si .
Drying

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Pyrolysis

rio nd
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Gases:

ith h
(CO, H2, Liquids:

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Oxygenated Solid:
CH4, H2O) (tar, oil, compounds: (char)

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naptha) (phenols,
acid)

us is c Char-gas reaction
be al
Gas phase reactions (gasification,
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(cracking, reforming, combustion, shift)

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combustion, shift)
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CO, CO2, CH4, H2,

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unconverted
CO, CO2, CH4, H2
carbon
• Gasification of biomass removes oxygen from the fuel to increase its energy density.

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e.g. A typical biomass has about 40 wt% O2, however fuel gas contains negligible amount of O2

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O2 is removed from the biomass by either dehydration or decarboxylation reactions.

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Dehydration: 𝐶𝑚 𝐻𝑛 𝑂𝑞 → 𝐶𝑚 𝐻𝑛−2𝑞 + q H2 𝑂 (O2 removal through H2 𝑂)

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r p er
Decarboxylation: 𝐶𝑚 𝐻𝑛 𝑂𝑞 → 𝐶𝑚−𝑞ൗ 𝐻𝑛 + q CO2 (O2 removal through CO2 )

rio nd
2

tp du
ou te
Parameter Combustion Gasification • In case of decarboxylation while snubbing

ith h
w yrig
the O2 through CO2 also rejects ‘C’
Oxidation Complete Partial

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(carbon) and thus increasing the H/C ratio

us is c
Effluent gases CO2, H2O CO, H2, CH4
of the fuel
be al
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(non-combustible) (combustible)
• Another major benefit of the gasification
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Utility Heat & power Heat, power & product is that it emits less GHG when
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liquid fuels combusted.

* Courtesy: Biomass gasification, pyrolysis and torrefaction, by P. Basu, 2nd edition, 2013, Publisher AP
Bio-chemical

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Two forms of biochemical conversion

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• Ethanol fermentation

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•

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Anaerobic Digestion

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Ethanol-Fermentation

rio nd
tp du
• Fermentation is the decomposition of complex molecules in organic compound in aqueous solution by the

ou te
ith h
w yrig
action of microorganism under acidic condition, pH 4 to 5.

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• The most common microorganism, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

us is c
• Fermentation is a well established and widely used technology for the conversion of grains and sugar crops
be al
ot eri

into ethanol. This process requires high cost and high energy.
nn at

• Alternatively, one scheme is considered to reduce the cost of ethanol production by fermentation that is
ca m
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use of less expensive raw materials (i.e lignocellulosic biomass) and a process that requires less energy.
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* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
 d
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• Hydrolysis of an abundant carbohydrate polymer (ligno cellulose) yield large number of Glucose units

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on V
which is being considered for the former.

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• Even the large-scale production using less expensive feedstock still faces some challenges to reduce the

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production costs, and an improvement on technology efficiency for the generation of commercial profit is

r p er
rio nd
still necessary

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
The sugars may be obtained by the following routes:

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1. Directly from sugarcane
2.
us is c
From sugar beet, sweet sorghum, grapes, molasses
be al
ot eri

3. From starch crops (i.e. grain and cassava)

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4. From cellulose (i.e. wood, straw, stems of grasses, bamboo, sugarcane bagasse)
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The main disadvantage of using 1, 2, and 3 as a feedstock for ethanol production is the competition over the

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utilization of arable land for cultivation of food crops between biofuel feedstock, thus resulting in the

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increase of food prices.

si .
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m of
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Carbohydrates in lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into Ethanol: A liquid biofuel

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rio nd
(substitute/supplement of Petrol)

tp du
ou te
Fuel

ith h
The conversion of cellulose, starch and sugars to ethanol is:

w yrig
Electricity

ed op
Fermentation Ethanol

us is c
C6 𝐻10 𝑂5 𝑛 + nH2 𝑂 → nC6 𝐻12 𝑂6
𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒) (𝑔𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒
be al
ot eri

Chemicals
𝐶12 𝐻22 𝑂11 + H2 𝑂 → 2 C6 𝐻12 𝑂6
nn at

Heat
ca m

(𝑔𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒)
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C6 𝐻12 𝑂6 → 2 C2 𝐻5 𝑂𝐻 + 2CO2
 Ethanol production from various types of biomass

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Natural sugars

.
Process heat, by

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(cane, beet, fruit) Crush Residue

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products

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Starches Hydrolysis

rio nd
(Grains: barley, maiz (easy) Sugars Yeast fermentation 10% ethanol

tp du
roots: cassava)

ou te
ith h
w yrig
Fractional 95% ethanol
distillation Commercial ethanol
Cellulose Hydrolysis

ed op
Petroleum substitute
(wood, straw) (difficult)

us is c Azeotropic
be al
distillation
ot eri

99.7% ethanol
nn at

anhydrous ethanol
ca m

Petroleum additive
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Th

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
Anaerobic Digestion

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When organic matter undergoes fermentation through anaerobic digestion, gas is generated. This is known as bio-

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on V
gas. Biogas is generated through fermentation or bio-digestion of various wastes by a variety of anaerobic and

si .
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facultative organisms. The process is favored by wet, warm and dark conditions, residence time, and others.

m of
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• It comprises approximately 55-65% of CH4 and 30-40% CO2, with small amounts of other gases (H2, H2S, N2)

rio nd
along with a decomposed mass.

tp du
ou te
• The gases formed are the waste products of the respiration of these decomposer microorganisms and the

ith h
w yrig
composition of the gases depends on the substance that is being decomposed.

ed op
us is c
• If the material consists of mainly carbohydrates, such as glucose and other simple sugars and high-molecular
be al
compounds (polymers) such as cellulose and hemicellulose, the methane production is low. However, if the fat
ot eri
nn at

content is high, the methane production is likewise high.

ca m
It is

• Nutrient such as soluble nitrogen compounds remain available in solution and provide excellent fertilizer and
Th

humus.
* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
The reactions are slightly exothermic, with typical heats of reaction about 1.5 MJ per kg dry digestible material,

d
ou
equal to abut 250 kJ/ mole of C6H10O5.

. G
on V
The heat produce during the process is not sufficient to significantly affect the temperature of the bulk material.

si .
is . V
m of
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For cellulose this becomes

r p er
C6 𝐻10 𝑂5 𝑛 + nH2 𝑂 → 3n CO2 + 3𝑛 𝐶𝐻4

rio nd
tp du
The (biochemical) anaerobic digestion consists broadly of three phases.

ou te
ith h
w yrig
Acid Methane

ed op
forming forming
Hydrolysis

us is c
bacteria bacteria
Biomass
be al
ot eri

(fat, proteins, Stage I Stage II Stage III Bio gas

carbohydrate) Simple Acetic,
nn at

organic propionic and

ca m

compounds butyric acids

It is
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* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
 Anaerobic Digestion: Biogas

d
ou
G
Digestate Fertilizer

.
on V
si .
Anaerobic Digestion

is . V
Heat

m of
er Pr
Biogas

r p er
rio nd
Electricity

tp du
ou te
ith h
Biomass digester consists of one or more air-tight reservoir into which a suitable moist biomass (feedstock)

w yrig
is placed

ed op
Digesters can be Big or Small us is c
be al
ot eri

The Products of Anaerobic Digestion are:

nn at
ca m

1. Methane Gas: Used for heating, cooking and electricity production

It is
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2. Odourless Slurry: Excellent fertilizer

 d
(Overview of next lecture)

ou
. G
on V
si .
is . V
Module 05

m of
(Biomass conversion routes)

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
Lecture 02

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
Content Bioconversion into Biogas, Mechanism

ed op
us is c
be al
Thank you
ot eri
nn at
ca m

For queries, feel free to contact at : vvgoud@iitg.ac.in

It is
Th
 d
ou
. G
on V
si .
is . V
Renewable Energy Engineering: Solar, Wind

m of
er Pr
and Biomass Energy Systems

r p er
rio nd
tp du
Module - 05

ou te
Lecture – 02 (Part I)

ith h
w yrig
ed op
us is c
be al
Prof. Vaibhav V. Goud and Dr. R. Anandalakshmi
ot eri

Department of Chemical Engineering

nn at

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

ca m

Guwahati – 781039, Assam (India)

It is
Th
 d
ou
. G
on V
si .
is . V
m of
Module Module name Lecture Content

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
tp du
05 Biomass conversion 02 (Part I) Bioconversion into biogas

ou te
routes Mechanism/Stages of an anaerobic

ith h
w yrig
digestion

ed op
Properties of biogas.

us is c
be al
ot eri
nn at
ca m
It is
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What is biogas?

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ou
Biogas is predominantly a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide and some traces of other gases

.G
on V
(H2, H2S, & N2).

si .
is . V
m of
er Pr
r p er
+

rio nd
BIOGAS

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
ed op
ORGANIC

us is c
INPUT be al
ot eri
nn at

Methane or ‘swamp gas’,

ca m

DIGESTATE produced naturally in swampy

It is
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(valuable soil product) ponds

How is it made?

d
ou
Biogas is produced by decomposing any type of organic matter in the absence of oxygen in a digester.

. G
on V
si .
is . V
Sewerage: domestic, municipal, schools, hotels, etc

m of
er Pr
r p er
rio nd
Food waste: domestic & industrial / commercial, incl. fats and oils

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
Manure: cattle, sheep, pig, chicken manure etc.

ed op
Agricultural: us is c
vegetables, fruit, maize, sugar cane, residual biomass (left over
be al
ot eri

crop straw and crops from farms, etc.)

nn at
ca m
It is
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Commercial: breweries, processing plants, fruit and veg packaging plants, etc.
How is it made? Anaerobic Digestion

d
ou
Types of wastes

.G
on V
si .
is . V
Livestock Waste

m of
er Pr
Biogas

r p er
rio nd
Crop Residues

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
Waste Water

ed op
us is c
be al
ot eri

Food Waste
nn at

Digestate
ca m
It is

Anaerobic Digester
Th
 Livestock
Waste
Anaerobic Digestion

d
ou
Crops

G
Waste
Biogas

.
Waste

on V
si .
Water

is . V
Food

m of
Waste

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Types of wastes

r p er
rio nd
tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
ed op
us is c
be al Digestate

Waste Collector Conveyer Anaerobic Digester

ot eri
nn at
ca m
It is
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Brief history of biogas generation

d
ou
17th • Jan Baptita Van Helmont first determined that flammable gases could evolve from decaying organic matter.

G
Century

.
on V
si .
is . V
• The concept of anaerobic digestion was discovered by Alessandro Volta. He noticed natural anaerobic digestion taking place in
some soils, lake and oceanic sediments which lead to the source of marsh green methane.

m of
1776

er Pr
r p er
• Sir Humphry Davy proved the presence of methane in the gases produced during AD of cattle manure.

rio nd
1808

tp du
ou te
ith h
• The first anaerobic digester was developed in Mumbai (India).

w yrig
1859

ed op
us is c
• The technology concept of a biogas septic tank was developed in Exeter, England, where a septic tank was used to
1895 generate biogas for the sewer gas destructor lamp, a type of street gas lighting.
be al
ot eri
nn at

• Buswell and others identify anaerobic bacteria and the conditions that promote methane production.
ca m

• Also, during the world war-II, the shortage of petroleum popularised the anaerobic digesters.
1930
It is

• Again, in 1970’s energy crisis sparked the interest in anaerobic digesters

Th

http://cturate.tripod.com/his.htm
M. George, (2008) Renewable Energy Focus. 9 (6): 28–30.
Auer; et al. (2017), Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 97 (3): 719–723.
What is biogas?

d
ou
G
 Biogas is produced from the decomposition of organic materials (plant and animal products) by the

.
on V
si .
concerted actions of a wide variety of microbial communities in the absence of oxygen, in a process

is . V
m of
called anaerobic digestion.

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
 Biogas systems use anaerobic digestion to recycle these organic materials, turning them into biogas

tp du
ou te
(mixture of CH4, CO2 with traces of H2, H2S, N2), which contains both energy (gas), and valuable soil

ith h
w yrig
products (fertilizer).

ed op
us is c
 The gases formed are the waste products of the respiration of these decomposer microorganisms and the
be al
ot eri

composition of the gases depends on the substance that is being decomposed.

nn at
ca m
It is
Th

 The container in which this digestion takes place is known as the digester.

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
 • If the material consists of mainly carbohydrates, such as glucose and other simple sugars and

d
ou
high-molecular compounds (polymers) such as cellulose and hemicellulose, the methane

. G
on V
production is low. However, if the fat content is high, the methane production is likewise high.

si .
is . V
m of
Sugars + starch easily digested by bacteria (without or with air)

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
Vegetable and leafy wastes digested by bacteria even though not so completely or easily

tp du
(relatively time requirement is more) again, without or with air.

ou te
ith h
w yrig
Woody wastes difficult to be digested by bacteria (Lignin requires fungi for digestion)

ed op
us is c
Biogas production and its composition be al SN Substance Biogas produced in Methane Carbon dioxide
litre/ kg of dry content (%) content (%)
ot eri

substance
nn at
ca m

1. Fat 1200 67 33
It is
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2. Protein 700 70 30

3. Carbohydrate 800 50 50
* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
•

d
Methane (CH4) is the most important component of biogas because it has the highest energy density

ou
G
among the biogas components.

.
on V
si .
is . V
m of
• Pure methane has an upper calorific value of 39.8 MJ/m3, which corresponds to 11.06 kWh/m3

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
• Methane is a colorless and odorless gas with a boiling point of -162 ᵒC and burns with a blue flame

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
• Methane is also the main constituent (77-90%) of natural gas.

ed op
• us is c
Methane has a density of 0.75 kg/m3 approx. at normal temperature and pressure.
be al
ot eri
nn at
ca m

• If biogas is mixed with 10-20% air, an explosive air may be generated which –as the name indicates –is
It is
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explosive!
C. A. Badurek, SAGE Publications's Green Technology: An A-to-Z Guide (2011) formed the basis of his contributions to Britannica
(https://www.britannica.com/technology/biogas)
Does Biogas Production Occur Naturally?

d
ou
. G
on V
Biogas production can happen naturally across ecosystems.

si .
is . V
m of
• Either in compost heaps/swamp/bogs/rice paddies and at the bottom of the oceans, rivers or lakes where

er Pr
sediments are exposed to anaerobic conditions.

r p er
rio nd
•

tp du
Methane is also created (as a result of enteric fermentation) in the rumen of ruminant animals (cows,
sheep, deer, camels, lamas, etc.).

ou te
ith h
w yrig
• It can also be collected from landfill sites where organic waste has been rotting under the ground.

ed op
• us is c
be al
Otherwise, it (biogas) can also be produced in anaerobic digesters from plant or animal waste.
ot eri
nn at
ca m
It is
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C. A. Badurek, SAGE Publications's Green Technology: An A-to-Z Guide (2011) formed the basis of his contributions to Britannica
https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-biogasconverting-waste-to-energy#1
Stages of an anaerobic digestion (Mechanism)

d
ou
Anaerobic Digestion is a bio chemical conversion process that degrades organic material by the actions of a wide variety

G
of microbial communities in the absence of oxygen.

.
on V
si .
is . V
In a simplified description, AD is divided into four phases:

m of
er Pr
r p er
Hydrolysis

rio nd
(Complex organic molecules to simple sugars)

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
Acidogenesis
(small organic molecules to fatty acids)

ed op
Acetogenesis us is c
be al
(conversion to acetic acid and CO2)
ot eri
nn at
ca m

Methanogenesis
It is
Th

(Final conversion to methane)

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
 d
ou
. G
on V
4 H 2  HCO3 -  H   CH 4  3 H 2O

si .
( methanogens )

is . V
m of
er Pr
4 HCO2 -  H   H 2O  CH 4  3 HCO3 - ( hydrogenotrophic methanogens )

r p er
rio nd
tp du
2CH 3COOH  HCO3 -  2CH 3COO -  H   CH 4  H 2O ( methanosarcina and methanothrix )

ou te
ith h
w yrig
4CH 3OH  3CH 4  HCO3 -  H 2O  H  ( other methylortrophic methanogens )

ed op
us is c
be al
ot eri
nn at
ca m
It is
Th

• Courtesy: Sustainable Rice Straw Management, Gummert et al., 2020, Publisher, Springer open
Properties of biogas

d
ou
Biogas generated by anaerobic fermentation of organic waste, essentially contains Methane and Carbon di-oxide in

G
large proportion and has traces of other gas. The important properties are as follows:

.
on V
si .
is . V
Energy density Composition (% Volume)

m of
50-60

er Pr
Methane
i. With 60% methane 22.35 to 24.22 MJ/m3

r p er
rio nd
ii. Without CO2 33.53 to 35.39 MJ/m3 30-45

tp du
Carbon dioxide

ou te
Octane rating

ith h
w yrig
i. With 40% CO2 110 Hydrogen 5-10

ed op
ii. Without CO2 130

us is c
be al
Nitrogen 0.5-0.7
Ignition temperature 650 oC
ot eri
nn at

Air to methane ratio (by volume) 10 to 1

Hydrogen Sulphide &
ca m

Traces
It is

for complete combustion

Oxygen
Th

Explosive limits to air (by volume) 5 to 10

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
Advantages of Anaerobic Digestion

d
ou
• Discarded waste material is used to produce energy

. G
• In the normal course, the waste material can best be used either as fuel after drying or as fertilizer after composting but

on V
si .
is . V
through anaerobic digestion process both the benefits are obtained:

m of
fuel in the from of biogas (better fuel than dried biomass) &

er Pr
fertilizer in the form of sludge/digested slurry (better fertilizer than composted biomass).

r p er
rio nd
tp du
• In anaerobic digestion, about 70-75% of original biomass weight is conserved as compared to aerobic digestion where

ou te
50% or more weight is lost. Nitrogen content in cattle dung is conserved in biogas unit where as a substantial part is

ith h
w yrig
lost in composting; making anaerobically produce manure better in terms of both quantity and quality as compared to
ordinary manure.

ed op
• Energy requirements of some industries (eg. dairy industries) can be met from anaerobic digestion of waste generated
within these industries.
us is c
be al
• In a digester waste is converted to stable slurry and most of the disease causing organism (pathogens) are killed..
ot eri
nn at

Digesters can be used for stabilizing the sewage of rural communities by reducing the incidence of disease caused by
ca m

parasites and pathogens.

It is

• As the system is enclosed, the odors are contained within. Digested slurry is odorless.
Th

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
Classification of biogas plants

d
ou
Biogas plants are mainly classified as (I) batch Type, and (II) continuous type: Fixed dome (constant volume) and

. G
on V
Floating drum (constant pressure).

si .
is . V
m of
Batch type biogas plant

er Pr
r p er
Gas Gas out

rio nd
tp du
Floating cover
Water seal

ou te
ith h
w yrig
Gas

ed op
Holder

us is c
be al
ot eri
nn at

…………
ca m
It is
Th

Digester 1 Digester 2 Digester N

Batch type biogas plant

d
Biogas

ou
The main features of a batch type plant:

G
1. A batch type plant is charged at 50-60 day intervals.

.
on V
si .
2. Once charged, it starts supplying gas after 8-10 days.

is . V
m of
3. Provides gas out put about 40-50 days till digestion of material is

er Pr
completed.

r p er
rio nd
4. After that, it is empted and recharged.

tp du
5. The installation and operation of such plants are capital and labor intensive

ou te
ith h
and are not economical unless operated on a large scale. Digestate

w yrig
6. The plant do not suit the conditions in Indian rural areas. Except when it is Anaerobic Digester

ed op
us is c
taken as commercial venture. be al
ot eri

7. It needs several digester in series for continuous gas production, these are fed alternately.
nn at

8. Batch plants are good for long fibrous materials.

ca m
It is

9. The plant needs addition of fermented slurry to start the digestion process otherwise there may be a direct
Th

change to the acid phase in absence of fermented slurry, which may affects the formation of methane.
* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
Continuous type biogas plant

d
ou
The main features of a continuous type plant:

G
Stirrer
1. The plant is fed daily with certain quantity of biomass.

.
Inlet Gas

on V
Gas

si .
is . V
2. The gas produced is either stored in the plant or in a separate Scum

m of
gas holder . Outlet

er Pr
……………………

r p er
3. Biomass is completely digested in a digester and digested slurry

rio nd
is rejected through an outlet.

tp du
ou te
4. The period during which the biomass remains in the digester is

ith h
w yrig
known as retention period.

ed op
5. It mainly depends on type of biomass and operating Slurry

us is c
temperature.
be al
ot eri

6. The scum prevents the escape of gas from the slurry.

nn at

7. Such plants are convenient for individual owners as feeding

ca m
It is

pattern matches with daily waste generation. Sludge

Th

8. These type of plants are very popular in India and China.

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by B H Khan, 2nd edition, 2009, Publisher, TMH
 d
(Overview of next lecture)

ou
. G
on V
si .
is . V
Module 05

m of
(Biomass conversion routes)

er Pr
r p er
Lecture 02 (Part –II)

rio nd
Content Classification of biogas plants

tp du
Properties of biogas.

ou te
ith h
w yrig
ed op
us is c
be al
Thank you
ot eri
nn at
ca m

For queries, feel free to contact at : vvgoud@iitg.ac.in

It is
Th
 d
ou
. G
on V
si .
is . V
Renewable Energy Engineering: Solar, Wind

m of
er Pr
and Biomass Energy Systems

r p er
rio nd
tp du
Module - 05

ou te
Lecture – 02 (Part II)

ith h
w yrig
ed op
us is c
be al
Prof. Vaibhav V. Goud and Dr. R. Anandalakshmi
ot eri

Department of Chemical Engineering

nn at

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

ca m

Guwahati – 781039, Assam (India)

It is
Th
 d
ou
. G
on V
si .
is . V
m of
Module Module name Lecture Content

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
tp du
05 Biomass conversion 02 (Part II) Classification of biogas plants

ou te
routes Factors affecting biogas yield

ith h
w yrig
ed op
us is c
be al
ot eri
nn at
ca m
It is
Th
Classification of biogas plants

d
ou
Biogas plants are mainly classified as (I) batch Type, and (II) continuous type: Fixed dome (constant volume) and

G
Floating drum (constant pressure).

.
on V
si .
is . V
Stirrer

m of
Gas
Inlet Gas

er Pr
Scum

r p er
Biogas Outlet

rio nd
……………………

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
ed op
us is c
Slurry
be al
ot eri
nn at

Digestate
ca m
It is

Anaerobic Digester
Th

Sludge
Floating gas-holder type bio-gas plant Bio-gas

d
outlet

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Pressure

G
Floating Valve

.
gas holder Overflow

on V
Slurry of cattle

si .
tank

is . V
dung - water Gas valve

m of
er Pr
Inlet Outlet
Mixing

r p er
tank

rio nd
Bio-gas

tp du
tank

ou te
Ground level
Spent slurry

ith h
w yrig
Inlet pipe

ed op
Outlet pipe

us is c
Dung and water
be al
mixture Partition wall
ot eri
nn at
ca m

Underground Pipe support

digester tank
It is
Th
Fixed-dome type bio-gas plant
Bio-gas

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outlet
Slurry of cattle

G
dung - water

.
on V
si .
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Slab Gas
Mixing Slab
cover

m of
tank Dome valve cover

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r p er
rio nd
tp du
Ground Overflow
level Bio-gas

ou te
tank

ith h
Inlet

w yrig
chamber
Spent slurry

ed op
us is c
Dung and
water mixture Outlet
be al
chamber
ot eri
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ca m

Underground
It is
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digester tank
Comparison of floating drum and fixed dome type plants

d
ou
SN Features Floating drum Fixed drum

G
1. Cost More (due to steel drum) Less

.
on V
2. Corrosion Yes (likely in steel drum) No

si .
is . V
3. Maintenance More Less

m of
• Drum requires painting, once or twice a year • no steel parts is used

er Pr
• Flexible gas pipe requires replacement • gas pipe is a fixed GI pipe

r p er
4. Thermal insulation Bad (heat loss due to steel drum) Good (temperature will be constant due

rio nd
to complete underground construction)

tp du
5. Scum troubles Less likely (as solids are constantly submerged) Most likely

ou te
ith h
6. Gas production per High (due to bifurcation, both acid and methane Low

w yrig
unit volume of formers find better environment for growth)

ed op
digester

us is c
7. Scum braking By rotation of drum (no stirrer required)
be al External stirrer is required

Leakage Less likely More likely

ot eri
nn at

Danger of mixing with oxygen due No More likely

ca m

to leakage, cracks
It is

Gas pressure Constant Variable

Th

Masonry workmanship Average skill Specialized, skilled masonry work

required
 Factors affecting biogas yield

d
ou
G
 Effect of temperature on biogas production

.
on V
si .
is . V
m of
• Biogas production is at its maximum rate when the temperature is kept at 35 °C, while optimum

er Pr
r p er
temperatures for methane production range from 35 to 40 °C.

rio nd
• The fall of gas production starts at 200C and stops at the temperature 100C.

tp du
ou te
• Two types of micro organism, mesophilic and thermophilic are responsible for digestion at two

ith h
w yrig
temperature ranges.

ed op
us is c
• The optimum Mesophilic temperature lies at about 350C, while the optimum Thermophilic
be al
temperature is around 550C.
ot eri
nn at

• Mesophilic temperature Range: 35 – 40o C

ca m
It is

• Thermophilic temperature Range: 50 – 60o C

Th
 Effect of pressure on biogas production
•

d
A minimum pressure of 6-10 cm of water column i.e., 1.2 bar is considered ideal for proper functioning

ou
G
of the plants.

.
on V
•

si .
Pressure should not be allowed to exceeds 40-50 cm of water column. Excess pressure does not allow

is . V
m of
release of gas from slurry.

er Pr
•

r p er
Moreover, it also leads to leakage in masonary through micro pores.

rio nd
tp du
 Total solid content

ou te
• The dry matter content in a digester suitable for biogas generation and solids reduction should be

ith h
w yrig
adjusted to about 8- 10%.

ed op
us is c
• The concentration of dried matter up to 20% helps to save 50% of the volume of digesters but may lead
be al
to souring (reduction of pH) and consequently, reduction of biogas output.
ot eri
nn at

• For example, cow manure is mixed usually in the proportion of 1:1 (by weight) in order to bring the
ca m
It is

solid content to 8-10%. As the raw cow manure contains 80-82% moisture. The balance of 18-20% is
Th

termed as total solids.

 pH

d
ou
• pH of the slurry changes at various stages of digestion process. In the initial acid forming stage in

.G
the digestion process, the pH may be round 6 or less and much of CO2 is given off.

on V
si .
is . V
• During methane formation stage, a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 may be maintained.

m of
er Pr
• As methane forming bacteria are sensitive to acidity.

r p er
rio nd
• To maintain a constant supply of gas, it is necessary to maintain a suitable pH range in the

tp du
digester.

ou te
ith h
w yrig
• The digester is usually buffer if the pH is maintained between 6.5 to 7.5.

ed op
• In the pH range 6.5 to 7.5, the microorganism will be very active and the bio digestion will be
very efficient. us is c
be al
ot eri

• If the pH range is 4 and 6 it is called acidic and If it is between 9 and 10 is alkaline. Both these
nn at
ca m

pH are detrimental to methanogenic (Methane Production) organisms.

It is
Th
 Loading rate

d
ou
G
• The AD process is affected by the loading rate, and it is defined as the amount of raw materials (kg

.
on V
si .
is . V
of volatile solids) fed to the digester per day per unit volume.

m of
er Pr
Or

r p er
represented by chemical oxygen demand per cubic meter per day (COD m−3 day−1) or volatile

rio nd
tp du
solids per cubic meter per day (VS m−3 day−1).

ou te
• If the digester is loaded with too much materials at a time, acid will accumulate and the digestion

ith h
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process may stop.

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• At higher feeding rate, the retention period will be less and undigested slurry may come out.
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• On the other hand, a low organic loading rate will reduce biogas production and that will make AD
ot eri
nn at
ca m

operation uneconomical.
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• The recommended organic loading rate for an anaerobic tank without medium is 1–4 kg V m−3 day−1
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 Hydraulic retention time

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• HRT is the time duration for which the substrates stay inside the anaerobic digester or the time that is

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available for the digestion.

si .
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• It is determined by the volume of a digester divided by the volume of slurry added per day.

m of
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• HRT strongly depends on the type of feed stock and temperature and it usually varies between 30 and 45

r p er
rio nd
days and in some cases 60 days.

tp du
• In general, 30 days are typical retention time for non-stirring digesters, the digesters with high

ou te
ith h
decomposition rates can be reduced to retention time of 10–20 days.

w yrig
ed op
us is c
Mainly the HRT is optimized to be al SN Raw material Required retention time (days)
achieve the a 70-80% complete 1. Cow dung 50
ot eri

2. Poultry droppings 20
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digestion
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3. Rice straw 33
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4. Sugar cane tops 43

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5. Water hyacinth 46
 d
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 Seeding

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on V
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•

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Seeding helps to accelerate the starting of the anaerobic digestion process.

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• Although the bacteria required for acid fermentation and methane fermentation are present in the cow

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r p er
dung, however their numbers are not large.

rio nd
tp du
• While the acid formers proliferate fast and increases in numbers, the methane formers reproduce and

ou te
multiply slowly.

ith h
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• Thus, to accelerate the starting of the anaerobic digestion process, It would be advantageous to increase

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the numbers of methane formers by artificial seeding with digested slurry that is rich in methane
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formers to the freshly charged plant.
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 Carbon to Nitrogen (C/N) ratio

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The quality of biogas produced by anaerobic digestion is determined by the growth of the community of

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bacteria in the digester.

si .
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For optimal growth and activity of bacteria, it is essential that required nutrient are available in correct

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chemical form and concentration.

r p er
rio nd
The elements of carbon (in the form of carbohydrates) and nitrogen (as protein, ammonium nitrates, etc.) are

tp du
the main nutrients for anaerobic bacteria.

ou te
ith h
w yrig
Carbon supplies energy and nitrogen is needed for building cell structure (i.e. growth).

ed op
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The bacteria use up carbon 30 times faster than nitrogen, necessitates the optimum C:N ratio 25-30:1 for
maximum microbiological activity.
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Deviation of this ratio slows down the digestion process.

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 Mixing or stirring or agitation

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• Stirring maintains uniformity in the substrate concentration, temperature and other environmental factors.

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si .
• Avoid foaming and formation of scum at the surface.

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• Minimizes the deposition of solids at the bottom of the digester.

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r p er
• Without stirring, the substrate in the digester is usually stratified into three layers as shown in the

rio nd
tp du
schematic below.

ou te
• In such condition, bacteria not distributed evenly in fermentation solution result in uneven contact of

ith h
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bacteria with the substrates.

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• It also forms many “dead zones” in the digester where the bacteria density is very low and the
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decomposition is weak.
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• Stirring can overcome the above disadvantages and enhance the decomposition process.
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• Slight mixing improves the fermentation, however a violent slurry agitation retards the digestion.
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 d
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Biogas (CH4 > 50%)

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on V
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Floating Layer

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Biogas

rio nd
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Fermentation solution contains
solute organic matter

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Sediment Layer (microorganisms)

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Layers in an un-stirred anaerobic digester

 Effect of toxic substances

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• There are many substances such as high concentration of ammonia, antibiotics, pesticides, heavy metals are

on V
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is . V
potentially toxic to microorganisms responsible for bio-digestion.

m of
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• Low C/N ratio in slurry leads to high concentration of ammonia.

r p er
rio nd
• Traces of pesticides and disinfectants may be present in the farm products.

tp du
• Synthetic material are also toxic to microorganisms.

ou te
ith h
• Heavy metals are mostly present in Industrial waste water.

w yrig
ed op
• Apart from that, the digested slurry, if allowed to remain in the digester beyond a certain time, becomes
toxic to microorganism.
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Maximum allowable concentrations of toxic materials

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Allowable concentration

.
SN Toxic material

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(mg/liter)

si .
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1. Copper 100

m of
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2. Chromium 200 Allowable

r p er
3. Nickel 200 – 500

rio nd
SN Toxic material concentration

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4. Sodium 5500 (mg/liter)

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5. Potassium 4500 7. Magnesium 1500

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6. Calcium 4500 8. Ammonia 3000

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9. Sulphate 5000

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Sodium
10. 40000
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Chloride
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11. Cyanide Below 25

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Detergent
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12. compd. 40 ppm

Raw material availability and gas yield

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Most of the organic matters containing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates can be microbiologically

.
on V
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is . V
transformed into biogas. These are mainly (i) animal-waste based resources, (ii) land based resources and

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(iii) water based resources.

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r p er
rio nd
Gas yield

tp du
The availability and gas yield of SN Raw material Production rate (m3 per kg of dry

ou te
matter)

ith h
from some of these resources is

w yrig
1. Cow dung 10 – 15 kg/day/head 0.34
given here

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2. Poultry manure 0.06 kg/day/head 0.46 – 0.56

us is c 3. Sheep manure 0.75 kg/day/head 0.37 – 0.61

be al
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4. Rice husk 1 – 1.3 tons/ha/year 5.67

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5. Algae 40 tons/ha/year 0.32

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6. Water hyacinth 60 tons/ha/year 0.42

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End Uses of Biogas

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ou
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Sanitary

si .
Digester

is . V
Landfill

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Crude
Scrubbing Upgradation

r p er
Biogas

rio nd
Normalized

tp du
Biogas Natural Gas

ou te
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Boiler Co- Generator

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(Burner) generation (Turbine) Compression

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Heat Electricity
Injection to
Vehicle Fuel
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Electricity Grid
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District Heat, Use in Households,

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Glasshouse Heating Industry, Desk, Farm

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etc. etc.
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 d
(Overview of next lecture)

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on V
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Module 05

m of
(Biomass conversion routes)

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r p er
Lecture 03

rio nd
Content Practice problems

tp du
ou te
ith h
w yrig
ed op
us is c
be al
Thank you
ot eri
nn at
ca m

For queries, feel free to contact at : vvgoud@iitg.ac.in

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 d
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on V
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Renewable Energy Engineering: Solar, Wind

m of
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and Biomass Energy Systems

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Module - 05

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Lecture – 03 (Part I)

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Prof. Vaibhav V. Goud and Dr. R. Anandalakshmi
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Department of Chemical Engineering

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Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

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Guwahati – 781039, Assam (India)

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 05
Module

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routes

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Module name

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Lecture

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Biomass conversion 03 (Part I)

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rio nd
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Content

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is . V
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.
Practice problems

G
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d
Classification of biogas plants

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ou
Biogas plants are mainly classified as (I) batch Type, and (II) continuous type: Fixed dome (constant volume) and

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Floating drum (constant pressure).

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on V
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is . V
Stirrer

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Gas
Inlet Gas

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Scum

r p er
Biogas Outlet

rio nd
……………………

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ou te
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Slurry
be al
ot eri
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Digestate
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Anaerobic Digester
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Sludge
Raw material availability and gas yield

d
ou
G
Most of the organic matters containing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates can be microbiologically

.
on V
si .
is . V
transformed into biogas. These are mainly (i) animal-waste based resources, (ii) land based resources and

m of
(iii) water based resources.

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
Gas yield

tp du
The availability and gas yield of SN Raw material Production rate (m3 per kg of dry

ou te
matter)

ith h
from some of these resources is

w yrig
1. Cow dung 10 – 15 kg/day/head 0.34
given here

ed op
2. Poultry manure 0.06 kg/day/head 0.46 – 0.56

us is c 3. Sheep manure 0.75 kg/day/head 0.37 – 0.61

be al
ot eri

4. Rice husk 1 – 1.3 tons/ha/year 5.67

nn at
ca m

5. Algae 40 tons/ha/year 0.32

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6. Water hyacinth 60 tons/ha/year 0.42

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* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by Twidell and Weir, 3nd reprint edition, 2010, T&F
Estimation of volume of digester for biogas production

d
ou
Some basic facts about biogas plants

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on V
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is . V
• Let us consider the example of cow waste. In practice only 70% of the waste produced can be

m of
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collected, as 30% is lost in the field during grazing.

r p er
• The amount of dry solid content in the waste is about 18%

rio nd
tp du
• Normally, 1 kg of wet waste is mixed with 1 kg of water to get the slurry.

ou te
ith h
• As mentioned in the previous table, 1 kg of dry waste gives 0.34 m3 gas per kg of dry solids.

w yrig
ed op
• If the gas requirement and duration of batch are known, then the amount of water and waste needed
can be estimated.
us is c
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• The volume of digester is equivalent to the volume of slurry.

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• To store the gas, a gas space of 10% of this volume could be provided in the digester.
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• Hence, the total volume of the digester can be taken as 1.1 times the volume of the slurry.

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by Twidell and Weir, 3nd reprint edition, 2010, T&F
Wet and dry fermentation:

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Parameters Wet fermentation Dry fermentation

.
on V
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Optimum total solid concentration 7 to 9 % 25 to 30%

is . V
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Solid content To maintain 7-9% solid content, based Water amount is kept to its minimum

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on input materials optimum solid to value for active fermentation

r p er
rio nd
moisture ratio should be adjusted

tp du
(normally equal amount water is added

ou te
to maintain the solid concentration)

ith h
w yrig
Scum formation and flotation Problem of scum formation and flotation Problem of scum formation and flotation

ed op
on the surface of slurry may not arise

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Acid accumulation and entrapment of Less Likely to occur Likely to occur
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gas
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The problem of pH regulation, No Yes

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movement of material and non-uniform

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culture
Digester sizing

d
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Before to begin the digester design we need to follow some approximate rules used for sizing a biogas

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plants Or for estimating their performance.

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is . V
E   Qb Vb

m of
The energy available from a biogas digester is given by : -------- (i)

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r p er
Where,

rio nd
tp du
η is the combustion efficiency of burners, boilers, etc. (~ 60%).

ou te
Qb is the heat of combustion per unit volume of biogas (~ 23 MJ m-3) and

ith h
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Vbis the volume of biogas.

ed op
us is c
Since, biogas mainly consist of methane and CO2, thus some of the heat of combustion of the methane goes in heating the
be al
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CO2 present in the biogas, and is therefore unavailable for other purposes. The net effect is to decrease the efficiency.
nn at
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E   Qm f m Vb
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Alternatively, the net energy can be calculated as: ------------- (ii)

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* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by Twidell and Weir, 3nd reprint edition, 2010, T&F
Where,

d
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Qm : heat of combustion of methane (~ 27-29 MJ m-3) and

G
fm : fraction of methane in the biogas (50 to 70%)

.
on V
si .
is . V
m of
The volume of biogas is given by: Vb  c mo ------- (iii)

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
Where, c is the biogas yield per unit dry mass of whole input (0.2-0.4 m3 kg-1) and

tp du
ou te
mo is the mass of dry input.

ith h
w yrig
The volume of fluid in the digester is given by : V f  mo /  m

ed op
-------- (iv)

us is c
Where, m density of dry matter in the fluid (~50 kg m-3).
be al
ot eri


nn at

Vd  V f t r
ca m

The volume of the digester is given by : ----------- (v)

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
Where, tr is the retention time in the digester (~20-40 days) and V f is the flow rate of the digester fluid

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by Twidell and Weir, 3nd reprint edition, 2010, T&F
Example 1: - The following data are given for a family size biogas plant suitable for dry input mass of 10 kg/day.

d
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The retention time is : - 30 days

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Temperature : - 300C

on V
si .
is . V
Biogas yield : - 0.34 m3/kg

m of
er Pr
The burner efficiency : - 60%

r p er
Fraction of methane in biogas (fm) : - 0.7

rio nd
Heat of combustion of methane : - 29 MJ/m3

tp du
ou te
Density of dry matter (ρm) :- 50 kg/m3

ith h
w yrig
Calculate:- (i) Volume of biogas plant and (ii) Power available from the plant

ed op
us is c
Solution
The fluid volume Vf is given by eqn. (iv)
be al
ot eri

Vf = mo/ρm
nn at
ca m

= 10 kg/day÷50kg/m3
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Vf = 0.2 m3/day

* Courtesy: Non-conventional energy resources, by Twidell and Weir, 3nd reprint edition, 2010, T&F
 d
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For the volume of any digester we have following eqn.

G.
on V
Volm = Vf × tr

si .
is . V
m of
= 0.2 m3/day × 30 days = 6 m3

er Pr
r p er
rio nd
tp du
ou te
Similarly, volume of the biogas is calculated from following eqn.

ith h
w yrig
Vb = c × m0

ed op
us is c
= 0.34 m3/kg × 10 kg/day
be al
ot eri

= 3.4 m3/day
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The power available from the digester is

d
= η. Qm. fm. Vb

ou
E

G.
on V
= 0.6 × 29 MJ/m3 × 0.7 × 3.4 m3/day

si .
is . V
m of
er Pr
= 41.41 MJ/day

r p er
rio nd
tp du
= 11.59 kWh/day (since, 1 MJ = 0.28 kWh)

ou te
ith h
w yrig
= 11.59 kWh/24 hrs

ed op
us is c
= 482.391 W (continuous thermal power)
be al
ot eri

=~ 482.4 W (continuous thermal power)

nn at
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Example 2: -

d
ou
G
A community type biogas plant is to be designed for the cooking and lighting need of village consisting of 50 families. The

.
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quantity of waste (cow manure) fed to the digester each day is 850 Kg, retention time is 35 days and density of slurry is

si .
is . V
1090 kg/m3. Calculate the minimum working volume of digester. Also, calculate the actual volume of digester which

m of
er Pr
should be 10% more to provide some empty space at the top for proper disengagement of the gas. Considering actual

r p er
rio nd
volume calculate height and diameter of digester.

tp du
ou te
ith h
Assume: The amount of dry solid content in the waste is about 18%.

w yrig
ed op
us is c
Solution be al
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 d
(Overview of next lecture)

ou
. G
on V
si .
is . V
Module 06

m of
(Bioconversion of Substrates)

er Pr
r p er
Lecture 01

rio nd
Content Bioconversion of Substrates into Alcohols, Thermo Chemical

tp du
Conversion of Biomass, Conversion to Solid, Liquid and Gaseous

ou te
ith h
w yrig
Fuels, Pyrolysis, Gasification, Combustion.

ed op
us is c
be al
Thank you
ot eri
nn at
ca m

For queries, feel free to contact at : vvgoud@iitg.ac.in

It is
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