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Biogas is a gas whose primary elements are about 65% of methane (CH4) and about 35% of carbon dioxide (CO2). It is a product of the natural decomposition of any organic substance of animal or plant origin due to the activity of anaerobic (functioning in a non-oxygen environment) bacteria. Major sources of methane are all animal excrements, waste landfills, and any other organic material which is left untreated. The most common substrates, used to produce biogas are:
green cuttings; maize- /grass- and whole-plant silage; corn; hay/ straw; slops; grain tailings; glycerin; pomace; dry poultry droppings; poultry/turkey manure; cattle and pig manure; food waste; floating sludge; rumen/stomach content; slaughter wastes and blood
The bacteria involved in the process are methanogenic bacteria, which are subdivided into psychrophilic, mesophilic and thermophilic strains according to their optimum temperature range. The optimum temperature for mesophilic bacteria lies in the range 38C 40C, while the thermophilic group prefers 50C 60C. The pH value of the fermentation substrate lies between weakly acidic (ca. pH 6) and weakly alkaline (ca. pH 8). Antibiotics, disinfectants and other chemicals present in the substrate can seriously inhibit or even stop completely the fermentation process.
The main product from this fermentation is biogas, an energy source for the generation of renewable energy. The components of biogas methane and carbon dioxide - act as greenhouse gases that harm the environment if released unburned into the atmosphere. The production of biogas in biogas plants prevents uncontrolled emission of methane into the atmosphere and, by generating renewable energy in the form of biogas, reduces the use of fossil fuel.
Second generation bio fuels Second generation bio fuels are broadly speaking the bio fuel technologies still in the pipeline. It is these sustainable bio fuels that will provide the source for the future. Some of the new technologies focus on increasing yields from plant-derived fuels; others look at the application of microbiological research to improve energy efficiency and range of renewable feed stocks for bio fuel production. The Bio fuel Research Centre focuses on 2nd Generation bio fuels produced by microbial fermentation of non-food crops. These carbon-rich lingo cellulosic materials are renewable and widely available. Sources include agricultural waste such as corn stover, straw and bagasse; industrial waste such as sawdust and paper pulp; woody biomass from forestry; municipal solid waste including household food and garden waste and paper products; and specific non-food energy crops such as switch grass. Conversion of lingo cellulosic biomass is attractive and even more so if biomass which is otherwise regarded as waste can be used as the substrate. In this case, the overall energy yield and carbon footprint will be improved compared to first generation bio fuels as there is no need to cultivate and harvest the crops. How we best harness this energy stored within lignocelluloses may provide the solution for bio fuels in the future.
Bio fuels or biodiesels are fuels that are, in essence, biodegradable and non-toxic. They are manufactured from vegetable oils, waste cooking oils, animal fats or tall oil (a by-product of the pulp and paper industry). (NBEP, 2007). These oils undergo a process called transesterification whereby they are subjected to a reaction with an alcohol (usually methanol or ethanol) using a catalyst such as sodium hydroxide. The resulting chemical reaction produces an ester called biodiesel and a by-product called glycerin. (Canada, 2007) Pure biodiesel fuel is significantly less flammable than petroleum diesel which burns at 50 degrees Celsius. Biodiesels flashpoint (the temperature at which it will ignite if it is exposed to a spark) is about 150 degrees Celsius. Pure biodiesel tends to lose its viscosity or to gel at lower temperatures when compared to petroleum. (Canada, 2007). This can be a concern for its use in colder climates. Biodiesels are often used in combination with petroleum diesel and are referred to as biodiesel blends. These blends will have a flashpoint and a gel point somewhere between the two pure fuels depending on the mixture. Biodiesel can be blended with diesel in any concentration but that which is used in Canada at the present time is usually a 5% or a 20% blend. (Canada, 2007). In France, however, where biodiesels are more commonly used, even for heating fuels, blends of up to 50% are employed. France is currently the worlds largest producer of biodiesel. (Fuels, 2007).