Unit 4
BIOMASS
CONTENT
Introduction………………………………………………………….......
Photosynthesis
process…………………………………………….......... Biomass
energy conversion………………………………...................... Direct
Combustion……………………………………………...........
Thermo Chemical Conversion............................................................
Biochemical Conversion…………………………………………......
Biogas
Generation………………………………………………………
Classification of Biogas plants………………………………………....
Site
selection…………………………………………………………….
Prospects of Biomass in India………………………………………....
Advantages & Disadvantages………………………………………....
Introduction to Biomass
India is a land of village
where the energy required for
domestic purpose such as
cooking is met from dried
woods, twigs and leaves of
plants and other dried organic
matter such as cow dung.
This organic matter called as
biomass is available freely as
waste.
It contains stored energy from
the sun.
Introduction to
Biomass
It is a renewable energy
source because we can
always grow more trees
and crops, and waste
will always exist.
The biomass is fast
renewable forms of
energy and available
freely as and
waste
discarded matters.
Photosynthesis Process
Photosynthesis is a
chemical process
that
carbon converts
dioxide into organi-
c
compounds, sugars,
especially
using
the [Link]
from
y
Photosynthesis Process
Photosynthesis Process
Biomass is produced in the photosynthesis process
which converts the solar energy into biomass energy.
Photosynthesis process only occurs in green [Link]
is the process of combining the carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere with water plus light energy to
carbohydrates produce(sugars,starches,celluloses
etc.)and oxygen.
Photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy C6H12O6 + 6O2
Splitting of water molecule into H2 & O2 under influence of chlorophyll.
“Light Reaction”
Hydrogen is transferred to CO2 to form Starch or Sugar.
Light
CO2 Concentration
Temperature
Biomass
energy
conversion
The various process used
for coversion of biomass
into energy or bio fuels
can be classified as
follows:
1) Direct combustion
2) Thermo chemical
conversion
3)Biochemical
conversion
Direct
Combustion
The direct combustion of biomass in presence of oxygen/air to
produce heat and by products is called direct combustion.
The complete combustion of biomass into ash is called
incineration.
This heat energy in the product gases or in the form of steam
can be used for various applications like space heating or
cooling,power generation,process heating in industries or any
other application.
However, if biomass energy by combustion is used as co
generation with conventional fuels, the utilization of biomass
energy makes it an attractive proposition.
Direct Combustion
THERMO CHEMICAL
CONVERSION
The thermo chemical reaction can convert the
organic biomass into more valuable and
convenient form of products as gaseous and
liquid fuels,residue and by-products etc.
These processes can be carried out in following
ways:
1) Gasification
2) Pyrolysis
THERMO CHEMICAL
CONVERSION
Gasification
Heating of
biomass in presence
of limited and air
oxygen
(deficient O2/air)
called gasification. it
produces is
gaseous
fuels like
H2,CO,CH4,N2
of
low calorific value.
Pyrolysis
It is the heating of biomass in a closed
vessel at tempratures in the range 500 C-900 C
o o
in absence of O2/air or with steam. It produces
solid,liquid and gases.
The pyrolysis process can use all type of organic
materials including plastic and rubeers.
Biochemical Conversion
In biochemical processes the bacteria and micro
organisms are used to transform the raw biomass
into useful energy like methane and ethane gas.
Following organic treatments are given to the
biomass:
1) Fermentation of biomass (Aerobic digestion)
2) Anaerobic digestion of biomass
Fermentation
Fermentation is a process of decomposition of
complex molecules of organic compound under
the influence of micro-organism(ferment) such
as yeast, bacteria, enzymes etc.
The example of fermentation process is the
conversion of grains and sugar crops into ethanol
and CO2 in presence of yeast.
Anaerobic digestion
The anaerobic digestion or
fermentation
process involves
conversion ofthe wet
biomass and animal waste into
decaying
biogas through decomposition
process by the action of
anaerobic bacteria.
The most useful biomass for
production of biogas are
animal and human waste,
plant residue and other
organic waste material with
high moisture content.
Biogas Generation
Biogas contains 55-65% methane, 30-40% CO2, and
the remainders are impurities like H2S, H2, N2
gases.
Cattle dung can produce 0.037 m3 of biogas per kg
of cow dung. The calorific value of gas is 21000 to
23000 kJ/kg or about 38000 kJ/m3 of gas. The
material from which biogas is produced retains its
value as fertilizer or as animal feed which can be
used after certain processing.
Biogas Generation
Biogas can be produced by digestion pyrolysis or hydro
gasification. Digestion is a biological process that occurs
in absence of O2 and in presence of anaerobic organisms
at atmospheric pressure and temperatures of 35oC-70oC.
The container in which the digestion takes place is called
digester.
When organic matter undergoes fermentation, the
anaerobic bacteria extracts oxygen by decomposing the
biomass at low temperatures up to 65oC in the presence of
moisture. (80-95%), the gas so produced is called biogas.
Principle of biogas
production
Biogas production takes place in three stages:
1)Hydrolysis: In this stage, matters with heavy
molecular weight are disintegrated into lower
molecular weight. This process takes place by
hydrolytic bacteria.
2)Acid Formation: In this stage, organic matters
are converted into acetates and H2. This
conversion takes place by acetogenes. Then H2
and C are converted into acetate by acetogenes.
Principle of biogas
production
3) Methane Gas Formation: In this stage,
acetates and simple CO2 are converted into
CH4. This is carried out by methanogenes.
Factors affecting
biogas
production
The rate of production of biogas depends on
the following factors:
1) Temperature & Pressure
2) Solid concentration & Loading rate
3) Retention period
4) pH value
5) Nutrients composition
6) Toxic substances
7) Digester size & shape
8) Stirring agitation of the content of digestion
Classification of Biogas
Plants:
Biogas plants are mainly classified as:
[Link] and batch type(as per the
process)
a) Single stage process
b) Double stage process
2. The dome and drum type
3. Different variation in the drum type
Schematic diagram of Single
stage and Double stage
Continuous Plant:
Continued…
The main features of continuous plant are
as follows:
[Link] will produce gas continuously.
[Link] require small digestion chambers.
[Link] needs smaller period of
digestion.
[Link] has less problem compared to batch type and
it is easier in operation.
Continued
…
The main features of Batch type plant are:
[Link] gas production is intermittent, depending upon
the clearing of the digester.
[Link] needs several digesters or chambers for continuous
gas production, these are fed alternately.
3. Batch plants are good for long fibrous materials.
[Link] plant needs addition of fermented slurry to start
the digestion process.
[Link] plant is expensive and has problems comparatively, the
continuous plant will have less problems and will be easy for
operation.
The Dome and the Drum
Type
Mainly two types of biogas plants are normally used:
1. The floating gas holder plant (Also known as KVIC plant)and
other is :
2. Fixed dome digester. (Also known as Chinese Plant)
In a floating gas holder, gas holder is separated from the digester.
While in fixed dome digester, the gas holder and the digester are
combined.
The fixed dome is best suited for batch process especially when
daily feeding is adopted in small quantities.
The fixed dome type plant is generally built below the ground
level and is suitable for cooler regions.
Floating Drum plants
Continued…
Continued
…
Continued…
Floating-drum plants consist of a digester and
a moving gasholder.
The gasholder floats either direct on
the fermentation slurry or in a water jacket of its
own.
The gas collects in the gas drum, which
thereby rises.
If gas is drawn off, it falls again. The gas drum
is prevented from tilting by a guide frame.
Advantages
High gas yield.
No problem of gas leakage.
Works under constant pressure
naturally.
No problem of mixing of
biogas with external air, thus
Disadvantages
It has higher cost.
Heat is lost through metal gas holder.
Requires painting of drums to avoid corrosion at
least twice a year.
Requires maintenance of pipes and joints.
Fixed-Dom Type
Continued..
.
Continued..
.
Continued…
A fixed-dome plant consists of an enclosed digester
with a fixed, non-movable gas space. The gas is
stored in the upper part of the digester.
When gas production commences, the slurry is
displaced into the compensating tank.
Gas pressure increases with the volume of gas
stored; therefore the volume of the digester should
not exceed 20 m³. If there is little gas in the holder,
the gas pressure is low.
Advantages
Cost of plant is less compare to floating drum type
plant.
Loss of heat is negligible since these are constructed
underground.
No corrosion problems as in fixed dome type.
It is maintenance free.
Disadvantages
Needs skilled labour to operate.
Gas production per m3 of digester volume is less.
Gas is produced at variable pressure.
Different variations in the drum
type
There are mainly two variation in floating type plant. One
with water seal and other without water seal.
Water sealing makes the plant completely anaerobic.
Cylindrical shape of the digester is preferred because
cylinder has no corners and so that there will be no
chances of cracks due to faulty construction. This shape
also needs smaller surface area per unit volume, which
reduces heat losses also.
Moreover the scum formation may be reduced by rotating
gas holder in the cylindrical digester.
Advantages of biogas
Cost of equipments used for making biogas is less and equipments used are very
simple.
Biogas can be used for lighting, running the engines, farm’s machine
and cooking gas in the kitchen.
Biogas is the best medium for cooking food.
Organic feed stocks used in the plants are easily available at all places.
Biogas plant gives efficiency as much as 60%.
Distribution of gas has no problems of any gas leakage and fire.
Waste product obtained from digester is best quality of fertilizer and gives best
yields.
Disadvantages of biogas
Biogas produced from biogas plant has to be used at
near by places only. It can’t be transported over
long distances.
Biogas can’t be filled in the bottles.
Biogas plant requires more area.
It can be established in urban area where availability
of land is limited.
Application of biogas
Biogas is used as cooking fuel.
Biogas is mental light gas burner for lighting purpose.
Biogas is used for water heating.
It is used as fuel in I.C. Engine.
It is used as fuel to run agricultural machineries.
It is used to run diesel engine generator set to
produce electricity.
Application of biogas
Heat of biogas is utilized in the dryer for drying the
agricultural products.
Heat of biogas is used to heat
ammonia of refrigerating plant.
Methane and
It is used for carbon
running for irrigationare
pumpsdioxide used as raw
purpose.
chemical feed stock manufacture various
chemicals. to
Site
selection
Following factors must be considered while selecting the site for
a biogas plant:
[Link]
[Link] gradient
[Link] space
[Link] table
[Link] run off
[Link] from wells
[Link] requirements
[Link] of
water
Prospects of biomass in India
Prospects of biomass in India
Advantages of biomass
Biomass is perennial source of renewable energy and it can
be repeatedly grown and obtained as biomass.
Biomass is non pollutant of atmosphere.
Production of biomass not only gives fuels but it also gives
good quality organic manures which when used in farms give
bumper crops.
Methane gas produced from biomass is used as domestic fuel
in gas stoves.
Biomass is available everywhere and no needs of any
transportations.
Advantages of biomass
Methane gas can be used to run engines and generator and
electricity can generate.
The biomass can be grown in near by seas and lakes. The
lands can be spread for food crops.
I.C. Engines can be run on biogas produced from biomass.
Biomass can be used for plastics and
pharmaceutical products.
Use of biomass keeps surroundings clean and
healthy without insects and pests.
Disadvantages of biomass
Biomass contains 50-90% water and it is heavy.
Hence transportation if needed is very difficult.
Direct combustion of biomass produces smokes
and smells.
Calorific value of biomass if burnt in the raw form is very
less.
Biogas plants need lots of care and maintenance for
its successful operations.
It is economical if raw biomass such as cow dung is not
freely available.
Disadvantages of biomass
Biomass conversion plants such as biogas are
necessary to convert raw biomass into useful energy
forms.
Biogas plants occupy larges land areas.
If the biomass is required to be transported over
long distances, the cost transportaion is very high.
Biogas plants can’t be used in urban areas where the
space availability is limited.
Application of biomass
Waste organic biomass can be
directly used as domestic fuels.
Biogas is used as domestic
fuels in gas stoves like LPG.
Biogas can be used to run the
engines, boilers and turbines.
Methane gas produced from
biogas plants can be used to
run the gas engines and farm
machineries.
It is used for heating the water.
Historical Era &Future
Historically, humans have harnessed biomass
derived energy products since the time when
people began burning wood to make fire. In
modern times, the term can be referred to in two
meanings. In the first sense, biomass is plant
matter used either to generate electricity (via
steam turbines or gasifiers), or to produce heat
(via direct combustion).