Biogas generation:
Biogas, a mixture containing 55-65% methane, 30-40% carbon dioxide and the rest being the
impurities (H2, H2S, and some N2), can be produced from the decomposition of animal, plant and
human waste. It is a clean but slow burning gas and usually has a calorific value between 5000 to
5500 kcal/kg (20935 to 23028 kJ/kg) or 38131 kJ/m3. It can be used directly in cooking, reducing
the demand for firewook.
Anaerobic digestion. Biogas technology is concerned to micro organisms. These are living creatures
which are microscopic in size and are invisible to unaided eyes. These are different types of micro
organisms. They are called bacteria, fungi, virus etc. Becteria again can be classified into two types-
beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria. Compost making production of biogas, vinegur, etc., are
examples of beneficial bacteria. Bacteria causing cholera, typhoid, diphtheria are examples of
harmful bacteria. This type of bacteria which causes disease both in animals and human beings is
called pathogen. Bacteria can be divided into two major groups based on their oxygen requirement.
Those which grow in presence of oxygen are called aerobic while the others grow in absence of
gaseous oxygen are called anaerobic. When organic matter undergoes fermentation (process of
chemical change in organic matter brought about by living organisms) through anaerobic digestion,
gas is generated. This gas is known as bio-gas. Biogas is generated through fermentation or bio-
digestion of
various wastes by a variety of anaerobic and facultative-organisms. Facultative bacteria are capable
of growing both in presence and absence of air or oxygen.
Aerobic and anaerobic fermentation can be used to decompose organic matter. Normally aerobic
fermentation produces CO2, NH3, and small amounts of other gases along with a decomposed mass
and evolution of heat. Anaerobic fermentation produces CO2, CH4, H2 and traces of other gases
along with a decomposed mass. Aerobic fermentation is used when the main aim is to render the
material hygenic and to recover the plant nutrients for reuse in the fields. The residue is rich in C,
N2, P, K and other nutrients. In a biogas plant the main aim is to generate methane and hence
anaerobic digestion is used. Here the complex organic molecule is broken down to sugar, alcohols,
pesticides and amino acids by acid producing bacteria. These products are then used to produce
methane by another category of bacteria. As already mentioned the treatment of any slurry or
sludge containing a
large amount of organic matter, utilizing bacteria and other micro-organisms under anaerobic
conditions is commonly referred to as anaerobic digestion or simply digestion. This anaerobic
digestion consists broadly of three phases:
(i) Enzymatic hydrolysis. Where the fats, starches and proteins contained in cellulosic biomass are
broken down into simple compounds.
(ii) Acid formation. Where the micro organisms of facultative and anaerobic group collectively called
as acid farmers, hydrolyse and ferment, are broken to simple compounds into acids and volatile
solids. As a result complex organic compounds are broken down to short chemical simple organic
acids. In some cases, these acids may be produced in such large quantities that the pH may be
lowered
to a level where all biological activity is arrested. This initial acid phase of digestion may last about
two weeks and during this period a large amount of carbon dioxideis given off.
Advantages of anaerobic digestion:
1. Calorific valve of gas. One of the main benefits is the produc-tion of a biproduct the biogas which
has a calorific value and can therefore, be used as an energy source to produce steam or hot water.
Because in dairy industries energy source is very important for dairy use, so there is no problem of
gas storage or supply, but gas can be directly useful in heat energy.
2. New sludge production. The conversion of organic matter to methane and carbon dioxide results
in a smaller quantity of excess sludge.
3. Stable sludge. In the case of municipal digestion the main reason for their installation was to
produce a non-putrescable and inoffensive sludge and in many cases only a proportion of the gas
produced was utilized.
4. Low running [Link] is no airation in the anaerobic treatment natu¬ rally in this digestion,
running costs are a quarter of the equivalent aerobic system.
5. Low odour. Since the system is enclosed the odours are contained. Com¬ pounds which are
responsible for odour are broken down during digestion. The only slight odour of hydrogen sulphide
normally presents in gas. However if the gas is burnt the problem will not arise.
6. Stability. A well adapted anaerobic sludge can be presented unfed for a considerable period of
time without appreciable deterioration.
7. Pathogen reduction. Work has shown that passage of the effluent through the digester reduces
the number of pathogens present, so reducing subsequent disposal problems.