Biogas Production Process
The biogas production process involves a series of well-coordinated steps to harness renewable energy from organic waste materials. This technical process is critical for biogas producers looking to optimize gas yield and manage waste efficiently.
The first step is to gather organic matter such as agricultural crop residues, livestock manure and food waste to prepare a substrate from which biogas is produced.
Next, the different kinds of organic waste is chopped and blended to create a homogenous substrate that has a balanced nutrient composition and stable pH levels.
The prepared substrate is then placed into large, sealed tanks or anaerobic digestors. The digester's temperature is typically maintained at 35-40°C to optimize bacterial activity and encourage microbial fermentation.
In the absence of oxygen, anaerobic bacteria break down organic matter, producing biogas as a byproduct. Depending on its application, biogas may need to undergo purification processes to remove impurities like carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S), resulting in high-quality bio-methane.
Biogas produced during anaerobic digestion is collected and stored in specialized gas storage tanks and is used for various purposes. Great care is taken to avoid contact with oxygen which can disrupt the anaerobic process.
The residue from the digester, called digestate, is collected and used as a fertilizer. Given that it is nutrient-rich, it is typically used to enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable agriculture.
An important step is to regularly monitor the temperature, pH levels, and gas production capacity of the biogas plant. Maintenance activities also include slurry stirring, gas system checks, and routine cleaning. Ensuring safety measures are in place is critical to prevent gas leakage and facilitate the proper functioning of the plant.
