Unit 7

A.
Year / Chapter Semester Subject Topic

2015 / 7 7 NCES Energy From Biomass
UNIT 7: Energy From Biomass
Organic matter derived from biological organisms (Plants, algae, animals etc.) are called
Biomass. The energy obtained from biomass is called Biomass energy. The raw organic matter
obtained from nature for extracting secondary energy is called Biomass energy Resource.
Biomass energy resources are available from botanical plants, vegetation, algae, animals and
organisms living on land or in water.
Biomass can also be considered a form of solar energy as the sun energy is used indirectly to
grow these plants by photosynthesis. Therefore biomass means organic matter and
photochemical approach to harness solar energy means harnessing solar energy by
photosynthesis. Solar energy stored in the form of chemical energy.
Solar Energy Photosynthesis Biomass Energy generation

Biomass is important features in our country. The term biomass generally refers to renewable
organic matter generated by plants through photosynthesis, in which the solar energy
combines the CO2 and moisture to form carbohydrates and oxygen.
Biomass generally have high moisture, volatile matter Constituents and low bulk density and
calorific value.
Biomass resources fall into three categories.
• Biomass in its traditional solid mass (wood& agricultural residues)
• Biomass in non-traditional form (converted into liquid fuels)
• Biomass to gaseous fuel by anaerobic fermentation.
Biomass energy resources :-
The main biomass resources are:
1. Fire wood
2. Agro residue
3. Animal Waste
4. Urban waste.
1. Fire wood and Saw dust:-
• Eucalyptus ,Babool, Bamboo, Casurina, Lentana, Subabul.
2. Agro Residue:-
i. Paddy husk, bagasse, Rice Husk, Sugar Cane Thrash, Ground nut Shell, Coffee
husk,Coconut shell, Aecanut husk, Arhar stalks, Jute.
ii. Oil Seeds:-
Pogemia, Simaruba, Jatropha, Rubber, Neem, Maduca Indica (Hippe),
Mesuva Feria (Naga Sampge), Calophylum Inophylum (Sore Honne)
iii. Juices:-
Sugar cane, Sorghum.
iv. Aquatic and Marine Biomass:-
Algae, Water Hyacinth, Aquatic weed, Coral reef, Kelp, Sea grass.
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Vivekananda College of Engineering & Technology Rev 1.0
Nehru Nagar, Puttur - 574 203, DK, Karnataka State – INDIA. ME
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PREPARED BY : SATHEESHA KUMAR K (ASST. PROF. DEPT. OF MECHANICAL ENGG.)
A.Year / Chapter Semester Subject Topic
3.Animal Wastes:-
• Cow dung, Poultary Droppings.
4. Wastes:-
• Muncipal Solid Wastes.
• Muncipal sewage Sludge.
• Industrial wastes.
Biomass resources for energy production encompass a wide spectrum of materials ranging
from silviculture(forest), agriculture (field), aquaculture (fresh and sea water), industrial and
social activities that produce organic waste residue (food processing, urban refuse etc). When
plants are cultivated especially for the purpose of energy, it is know as energy farming.
Some of the Biomass resources are briefly explained below;
I. Forest:-
Forests is natural as well as cultivated, serve as a source of fuel wood, char coal and
producer gas; Forest waste and residues from forest processing industries can be utilized
and some fast growing energy intensive trees such as eucalyptus, poplar, pine are
specially cultivated for the purpose of energy. Some plants produce seeds (or nuts) to yield
vegetable oil on processing. The serve as a liquid bio-fuel. Eg: Jajosa, Jatropa, Pongamia
etc..
II. Agricultural residues:- Crop residues such as straw, rice husk, coconut shell, ground nut
shell, sugar cane bagasse are gasified to obtain producer gas. Alternatively, these
are converted to fuel pellets or brequettes and used as solid fuel
III. Energy Crops:- Certain cultivated plants produce raw materials for bio-fuels such as Sugar
plants and Starch plants for ethanol production, Oil production plants for the production of
oils such as sunflower, rapeseed, palm seed, soya been, groundnut, peanut etc.
IV. Animal Wastes:- This is the basic source of biomass available for generation of biomass
throughout the world. These types are rich in organic matter and undergo easy fermentation
and release good amount of gas. The volume of gas produced per unit mass of these
materials is high compared to any other source. The important animal wastes are cattle
dung, urine, goat and poultry dropping, waste from slaughter houses, leather and wood
wastes, and elephant dung.
V. Human wastes:- Though this is not a popular source of biomass, it is possible to use the
human wastes for the generation of bio-gas. Such materials include sewage, human
excreta, urine and other wastes.
VI. Industrial Wastes:-This is another major source of biomass for biogasification. Many
industries (mainly agriculture and animal based) produce large amount of spent wastes,
which are difficult to dispose off. Such wastes can be successfully used to produce biogas. If
plants are located nearby, the transportation costs are reduced. The main industrial
wastes are resides from sugar factories, tanneries, paper mills, sericulture industries, food
processing industries, etc.
VII. Marine plants:- Biomass source from water is also enormous throughout the world.
These may be the wastes of aquatic organism or the plant itself. There are three important
marine plants available as encouraging sources of biomass. They are-Water Hyacinth,
algae and Ocean kelp etc.
Energy Content of Bio-fuels:-

The Energy content of biofuel is a description of the potential energy contained in a given
biofuel, measured per unit mass of that fuel, as specific energy, or per unit of volume of the
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fuel, as energy density. A biofuel is a fuel, produced from living organisms. Biofuels include
bioethanol, an alcohol made by fermentation—often used as a gasoline additive, and biodiesel,
which is usually used as a diesel additive. Specific energy is energy per unit mass, which is used
to describe the energy content of a fuel, expressed in SI units as joule per kilogram (J/kg) or
equivalent units.
Fuel Type Specific energy Energy Density Energy per CO2

(MJ/kg) (MJ/L) (MJ/kg)
Solid Fuel
Bagasse (Cane 9.6 - 7.41
Stalks)
Chaff (Seed 10 – 16 1.6 - 16.64 5.44-8.70
Casings)
Animal 10 to 15 - -
Dung/Manure
Dried plants 10 – 16 1.6 - 16.64 5.44-8.70
(C6H10O5)n
Wood fuel 16 – 21 2.56 - 21.84 8.51-11.17
(C6H10O5)n
Charcoal 30 - 8.27
Liquid Fuels
Pyrolysis oil 17.5 21.35 20.77
Methanol (CH3- 19.9 – 22.7 15.9 14.49-16.53
OH)
Ethanol(CH3-CH2- 23.4 – 26.8 18.4 - 21.2 12.25-14.03
OH)
Butanol 36 29.2 15.16
Biodiesel 37.8 33.3 – 35.7 ~13.26
Sunflower oil 39.49 33.18 14.04
(C18H32O2)
Castor oil 39.5 33.21 14.80
(C18H34O3)
Olive oil (C18H34O2) 39.25 - 39.82 33 - 33.48 14.03
Gaseous Fuels
Methane (CH4) 55 – 55.7 (Liquefied) 23.0 – 23.3 20.05-20.30
Hydrogen (H2) 120 – 142 (Liquefied) 8.5 – 10.1
Fossil Fuels (comparison)
Coal 29.3 – 33.5 39.85 - 74.43 ~8.16-9.33
Crude Oil 41.87 28 – 31.4 ~12.31
Gasoline 45 – 48.3 32 – 34.8 ~13.64-14.64
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Diesel 48.1 40.3 ~14.15
Natural Gas 38 – 50 (Liquefied) 25.5 – 28.7 ~12.67-16.67
Ethane (CH3-CH3) 51.9 (Liquefied) ~24.0 17.71
ENERGY PLANTATION:-
Energy plantation is the method of trapping maximum solar energy by growing plants. Energy
forms are ideal solar collectors requiring virtually no maintenance, it is economical and non-
polluting.
Growth of plant material for their fuel value offers a renewable source of liquid fuel and organic
chemicals. Energy plantations can be considered as long term alternatives to fossil and nuclear
energy source. When Land plants are grown purposely for their fuel value, by capturing solar
radiation in, is called energy Plantation. It is worth considering grow, serve as a convenient
single service disposal solar energy storage devices, from which the accumulated energy can
be released.
It is necessary to think in terms of “ calorie plants” not of trees, grasses or farm crops. Choosing
“Calorie pants” depend on the climate and soils, where the energy plantations are to be
located. Lands that are suitable for agriculture corps will not be devoted for growing fuels on
large scale. These all areas in our country where soils and climates are suitable for intensive
culture of variety of soft and hard woods.
Calorie plants chosen for a particular zone, they must effectively capture solar energy on a
small scale and also be manageable on a large scale.
Features of energy plantation:-
• Long term alternatives for fossil fuels.
• Plants grown specially for energy requirements.
• Solar energy storage devices like battery but at higher level and magnitude.
• Plants with maximum surface area of leaf bearing branch exposed to sun light are
selected. ie.,12000 to 24000 trees/ha.
• Photosynthesis efficiency is the ratio of energy produced by the plant to the energy
captured by the surface.
Ordinary vegetation =0.2 to 0.7
energy crops =0.9
• Cheaper compared to fossil fuels.
Note:-
• Agro-residue are seasonal and light hence not suitable for energy crops.
• Forestry grows slowly, hence not suitable.
• Agricultural land should not be used to grow energy plants.
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Plants Proposed are:
Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Terminalia arjuna, Sesania aegyptiaca, Leucaena, Grrevilla robusta.
Name of species Yield m3/ha/yr Calorific value kcal/kg
Casuarina 7-10 4950
Eucalyptus 7-10 4800
Leucaena 30-40 4200-4800
Acavia auriculiformis 10-12 4800-4900

Albizia lebbek 5 5200
Advantages of energy Plantation:

• No Extra energy is required, because plants have their own solar energy storage and
accumulation system.
• No air pollution.
• Ash is the byproduct left after burning the wood. It is rich in plant nutrient-minerals. It
can be used as manure.
• Ecological condition can be restored by planting the fuel value trees in non agricultural
(or waste) land.
• CO2 of the earth's atmosphere can be balanced by energy plantation.
Disadvantages of energy Plantation:
• Large area of land is required.
• Plants convert only 0.1% solar radiation.
• Care must be taken in selecting the species of tree, plantation and during the growth of
plants.
• Limited application of biogas, because it is not so easy to liquefying the biogas.
• It must be economically justified. Valuable, costly land cannot be used for this purpose.
PHOTO SYNTHESIS:-
The most important chemical reaction on the earth is the reaction of sunlight and green plants.
Photosynthesis in the plants is an example of biological conversion of solar energy into sugars
and starches which are energy rich components.
“Photosynthesis” is Greek word, photo means “light”, synthesis means “combination”. Therefore
Photosynthesis is defined as “the process by which green plants harness(utilize) the energy of
the sun and build or produce organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water is termed
Photosynthesis. The principal features of a leaf (of a plant) responsible for the photosynthesis.
The origin of biomass energy resources is explained by the photosynthesis bt green plants
under sunlight. Photosynthesis occurs on the thylakoid membrane, In green plants. Chloroplast
utilizes the solar energy. This Chloroplast is the main source of photosynthesis activity of the
green cells. This Chloroplast is a disc shaped body, roughly 4 to 8 m in diameter and 1m in
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width. When light of appropriate wavelength is absorbed by the Chloroplast, carbon dioxide is
reduced to the level of sugar; and a volume of gaseous oxygen equal to CO2 is liberated.
Therefore, plants are important in the balance of nature, because they produce food for other
organisms and give to the air the oxygen needed by most organisms for respiration .
Photosynthetic oxygen production
Photosynthesis is a complex process in which water and CO 2 molecules are broken down in
sun light and releases carbohydrate and pure oxygen.
CO2 + H20 + sun light + chlorophyll ----> (H2CO)6+ O2 +chlorophyll
6CO2+ 12 H20 ---> C6H12O6 + 6H20 + 602

The absorbed light is in the ultraviolet and infrared range, The chlorophyll absorbs visible
light and passes its energy on to the water molecules and releases an hydrogen atom. The
hydrogen atom thus produced reacts with CO 2 molecule, to produce H2CO and oxygen. At
high temperature H2CO breaks to release energy.
H2CO + O2 ---> CO2 + H20 +112 Kcal / mol of energy.

Mainly the photosynthesis consists of two steps:
1) Due to action of chlorophyll and sunlight, water molecule breaks in to H 2 and O2
This phase is called light reaction in which solar energy is converted in to potential
chemical energy. The 02 escapes and H2 gets converted into some unknown compound.
2) This phase of reaction is called dark reaction which forms CO 2 and starch or sugar
from unknown compound of H2 and does not require sunlight.
The condition for Photosynthesis are:-
1. Light: It is the one of the important inputs for biomass production. The plants
uses radiations between 400 to 700 A o only part of this energy is actually used in
photosynthesis. This range of light is called photo-synthetically active radiation(PAR).
Upper limit of photosynthesis efficiency is about 5%.
2. CO2 Concentration: Carbon-dioxide is the primary raw material for photosynthesis. CO 2
constitutes about 0.03% of the atmosphere. If CO 2 availability is increased artificially,
linear increase of yield of several crops, up to a limit, have been observed. Hence one of
the methods of increasing biomass is by increasing or supplying additional CO 2 to the
plants.
The main source of CO2 are:
a) Animal respiration
b) Combustion of fuel.
c) Decay of organic matter
3. Temperature: Photosynthesis is restricted to the temperature range which can be
tolerated by proteins ie., 0 0 C to 600 C. Although photochemical part is not affected by
temperature but biochemical part, controlled by enzymes is highly sensitive to
temperature.
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BIOMASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Some of the important characteristics of the Biomass fuel are as follows
Heat value:- the heat value or amount of heat available in fuel (kJ/Kg) is one of the most
important characteristic of biomass.
It is a function of fuel composition. It can be expressed in two ways they are, high heat value
(HHV), Low heat value (LHV). HHV is the total amount of heat energy that is available including
energy of water vapor and exhaust gas. The LHV doesn't include the energy embodied in the
water vapor. The energy content of the biomass in consideration is always fixed.
Moisture content:- Low moisture level in fuel is usually preferred as high moisture fuel burns less
rapidly and provide less heat per unit mass (much of heat is used to vaporize water). But
extremely dry fuels can cause problems such as dust that fouls equipments or can even cause
explosion. The moisture content is calculated on dry and wet basis. In practical maximum level
of moisture for combustion in wet basis is 60% and in dry basis 40%.
Composition:- The three most significant compositional properties are; ash content,
susceptibility to slogging and fouling, Percentage volatile.
Ash content:- The ash content that is formed after the combustion of biomass should be as low
as possible. The higher ash content can reduce combustion efficiency or clog ash handling
mechanism.
Slogging and fouling:- The slogging and fouling problem occur when the ash begins to melt
causing deposits in the combustion equipment certain mineral components in biomass like
chlorine potassium and silica can cause this problem.
Percentage Volatility:- Fuel with high volatility will tend to vaporize before combustion. Where
as fuel with low volatility will burn primary as glowing char.
Fuel size and density:- The size and density of the biomass fuel is also important. Fuel
size
dictates the types of fuel handling equipment to be used. Fuel size and density are probably the
most over looked factor affecting the fuel performance. The wrong size of fuel will have an
impact on the efficiency of he combustion process and may also damage the handling
equipments.
Another type of characterization is based on
(a) Proximate analysis and
(b) Ultimate analysis.
***
What are the advantages of energy plantation? (10marks)
= Ans: advantages of Energy plantations are,
Storage:- Fuels produced by plant growth will have two main advantages over directly
harnessing the solar energy at the surface of the earth either by thermal or photovoltaic means,
i.e. neither of these two means can be counted upon for a continuous supply of energy unless
it is equipped with elaborate storage units. Whereas plants, as they grow they serve as their
own energy accumulator. There are practically no storage losses. This feature allows a
considerable amount of flexibility in the reaping schedule for fuel crop. The flexibility is
particularly wide if the crop maturity cycle extends over years. On the contrary similar flexibility
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is not available if crop matures in a few months. Perennial crops are always preferred for this
purpose due to their continuous growth with minimum of efforts.
Economics:- Economics of energy obtained through plantation will essentially depend upon
• Cost of fuel mass produced in the comparison to conventional fuel.
• Cost of processing required, if any.
Cost of fuel will depend on :
• Cost of land used, i.e. in turn the yield of fuel per unit area/yr.
• Cost of plantation per unit area/yr.
Cost due to land depends upon the duration of maturity cycle, i.e. smaller maturity cycle means
less cost. Cost due to land can be considerably reduced in having multiple crops and denser
plantation. Under optimised conditions the cost of energy obtained through plantation works
out to be lesser than present fossil fuel cost on heat value basis as obtained by direct burning of
wood.
Air Pollution:- Vegetable matter contains less than 0.1% sulfur and the problem of SO2
pollution by the combustion of biomass is practically non-existent.
Ash:- Burnt vegetable matter leaves ash which is rich in plant nutrient-minerals unlike ash of
fossil fuels. It can directly be used as a manure.
Ecological condition:- Energy plantation will convert large tracks of semi-barren land into
green belt and thus ecological conditions can be restored.
CO2 balance of the Earth:- Utilization of biomass for energy either by direct combustion or
through production of liquid and gaseous fuels produces CO 2. However CO2 thus produced
does not disturb the CO2 balance in the atmosphere. Growth of biomass consumes CO 2
as much as produced by consumption of biomass. Combustion of fossil fuel releases the CO 2
in very large amounts and also they consume huge amounts of O2 from the atmosphere
MTHOD OF CONVERTING BIOMASS INTO USEFUL ENERGY
Biomass can be utilized for different purposes i.e.,cooking process, heating, electricity,
steam generation etc. and also for producing various bi-product chemicals through different
conversion processes.
The various conversion processes are;
1. Bio chemical
2. Thermo -chemical
3. chemical
4. Physical
Biochemical
• Anaerobic digestion
• Ethanol Production
Thermochemical
• Pyrolysis
• Gasification
• Liquefaction
• Ammonia Production
• Combustion
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Chemical
• Acid Hydrolysis
Physical
• Densification into Solid briquettes.
The different methods of converting biomass into energy are illustrated using a block diagram
in Fig. 1.
There are two basic techniques of biomass conversion into useful energy.
1. Thermochemical Conversion: Basically this involves dry processes to convert biomass into
thermal energy. The methods used for conversion are pyrolysis, liquefaction, gasification
and hydrogenation.
2. Biochemical Conversion: These are basically wet processes, involving either anaerobic
digestion or fermentation. Anaerobic digestion involves the microbial digestion of the
biomass, while fermen&iion involves the breakdown of complex modules of organic
compounds.
FIG 1.
1. Biochemical Conversion Processes:-
Biochemical conversion taken into two forms: (a).Anaerobic digestion, (b).
Fermentation. (a) Anaerobic digestion / Bio-Methanation:-
Anaerobic digestion is the microbial digestion of biomass in the absence of oxygen. An
anaerobic is a micro-organism that lives and grows without oxygen. It uses the oxygen
available in the matter, by decomposition. The process takes place in the temperature range of
35 to 60°C, and about 80% moisture is essential for the reaction to take place. The reaction
releases mainly CO2 and CH (methane) with negligible impurities. Green plants, animal dung,
2
sewage sludge, wood shavings, straw, etc., under go anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic
digestion or fermentation consists of 3 phases:
1) Enzymatic Hydrolysis: In this phase, the fats, starches and proteins contained in cellulosic
biomass are broken down into simple compounds.
2) Acid Formation: In this phase, The complex organic compounds converted into simple
organic acids. The acetic acids and volatile solids are formed by hydrolysis and
fermentation from micro organism of facultative and anaerobic group and together
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called acid formers. This stage may last about two weeks and this phase results in the
fermentation of large amount of carbon dioxide.
3) Methane fermentation: In this phase, the acids produced from previous phase converted
into methane (CH ) and CO by anaerobic bacteria which are also known as methane
4 2
fermentors. For digestion process to be efficient ,these acid formers and methane
fementors must be in a stage of dynamic equilibrium. The variation in pH value, will
affect the methane formers as they are sensitive to pH variations. For fermentation and
bio-gas generation, a pH value of 6.5 to 8 is suitable.
Anaerobic digestion
Bacteria
Animal manure and weeds
Bio-gas/ Methane
The biochemical route works with bacteria and occurs at temperatures not exceeding 60 0 C,
more usually at 370 C to 400 C or 500 C to 550 C, each of these being a separate class of
bacteria, mesophyllic ( 370 C to 400 C) and thermophyllic ( 500 C to 550 C) respectively. The
reactions stop at temperature below about 100 C.
(b) Fermentation:-
Fermentation is the breakdown of complex molecules in the organic compound under the
influence of a ferment such as yeast,bacteria, enzymes etc. Fermentation is a well established
and widely used technology for the conversion of grains and sugar cane crops into Ethanol.
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is produced by the fermentation.
Fermentaion
Yeasts
Biomass
Ethanol
Generally, the fibrous residues from plant crops (like crushed sugar cane, fruits, etc) are widely
used. Cellulose material like wood, paper waste, straw, can also be subjected to fermentation,
but they require a pre-treatment with hot acid. A tonne of wood can release about 260 litres of
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ethanol. . The residue after fermentation contains high-protein which can be used as cattle feed
and manure.
Sugars are the most common substrate of fermentation with ethanol being an important
product.
When reactions begin with yeasts, the initial concentration of glucose (C 6H12O6) will be very
high, through diffusion, glucose molecule is broken down in a 10 step process called
“Glycolysis”. The product of glycolysis is two three-carbon sugars, called pyrurates and same
atmospheric temperature, which supplies energy to the yeast and allow it to multiply. The two
pyrurates are converted by yeast into CO2 and ethanol (CH3CH2OH).
Reaction is:-
C6H12O6 + yeast 2CH3CH2OH + CO2
2.Thermo-Chemical Conversion Processes:-

The thermochemical conversion processes are classified into five type which are briefly
explained below;
(a) Pyrolysis:-
INERT GAS SOLID, LIQUID AND

PYROLYSIS
(2000C-6000C) GASEOUS PRODUCTS
Pyrolysis is a process in which the solid fuel will be converted at high temperatures to vapor and
gases in the absence of any oxidant. The output can be condensed to ambient temperature to
lead to water and some complex oxygenized hydrocarbons in the form of liquids and
permanent gases like CO, H2, CO2 and CH4.
It is a destructive distillation process, by which high calorific value fuels can be produced. In this
dry woody matter is converted into usable form of energy by roasting them in a reactor vessel.
The raw material in shredded form is fed into a retort (vessel) and heated in the absence of air
(oxygen). Under high temperature condition, in the absence of oxygen, the volatile compounds
are driven out and a light weight charred solid residue is obtained. Such a process is widely
used for the production of charcoal and coke. The fraction of solid,liquid and gases will depend
on the the rate of temperature rise and actual temperature to which it is raised. Volatiles begin
to evolve at about 300oC-500oC depending on the actual biomass considered.
Slower heating rates and achieving high temperatures (even up to 1000 0C) leads to much
larger fraction of gases. Slow pyrolysis is a standard process used to produce charcoal.
High heating rates (of 10000C/S) with residence times of 0.7 to 1sec in a process called “Fast
pyrolysis”. This is used to generate liquids.
(b) Gasification:-
20-50% GASES,CO,H2 ,
GASIFICATION
OXYGEN/STEAM CH4,C2H6, CO2,N2
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“Gasification” is the process through which biomass materials can be subjected to a series of
chemical changes to yield clean and combustive gas at high thermal efficiencies. These mixture
of gases is called as “pyro-gas” and /or “producer gas” can be combusted for thermal energy
and /or used to power i.e.,Engine for mechanical and electrical energy.
Gasification is often treated as sub-stoichiometric combustion process. Gasification is a
combination of sedative pyrolysis and hot char caused reduction reactions.
It is a dry process, in which biomass is heated in the presence of small amount of oxygen. The
yield will be a fuel gas with small quantities of liquid. The gas yield can be increased by blowing
air/oxygen into the reactor vessel at about 1000°C. At these conditions, a part of the feed
burns, while maximum gas is released. This process gives an yield of about 80%. However, the
fuel will have a lower calorific value because of high inert gas content (about one-third).
A principal requirement of the gasification system is to reduce the tar content to the minimum,
most with little load on the cooling and cleaning system for the removal of tar so that system
operation is smooth.
(c) Combustion:-
> 100% O2 HIGH TEMP. CO2 + HEAT

COMBUSTION (800-12000C)
Combustion is a process by which biomass combined with air or oxygen is reacted after suitable
ignition to lead to a high temperature conversion process where carbon is oxidized to carbon
dioxide (CO2 ) and hydrogen to water vapor.
(d) Liquefaction:-
In this method, the feed stock is heated rapidly (at lower temperatures) and the vapours are
condensed from the gas stream. The product will be in two phases-
• The aqueous phase containing a solution of water-soluble organic materials like acetic
acid, acetone and methanol.
• The non-aqueous phase containing oils and tars. These crude products can be
burnt directly, but it is better to upgrade them by refining processes.
Liquefaction; production of Methanol from Biomass.
Heat
Wood
Char And Tar

Pyrolegineous Acid
Distillation
Methanol
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Methanol is a clear, colorless liquid volatile in nature and inflammable alcohol obtained by
destructive distillation of wood. It is simplest alcohol and has chemical formula CH3 -OH. It is
also known as wood alcohol or “Carbinol”. It is highly poisonous and causes blindness, madness
and death depending on volume consumed. It is highly mixible in all proportion of water.
Destructive distillation is an ancient method for production of alcohol from biomass. Hard
wood, birch oaks etc, thermally decomposed during pyrolysis and at temperature ranging from
1600 C to 4300 C forming charcoal,tar,non condesible gases and a water distillate known as
pyrolegenous acid, when this acid is distilled gives crude ditillate of “methanol”.
The yield in this process comparatively very small ranging from 1 to 2%
methanol.
e) Steam Gasification
This is another thermochemical process, in which methane is gener ated directly from the
biomass. The feed is treated at high temperature and pressure in the presence of hydrogen.
The required hydrogen is obtained by the steam supplied to the reactor vessel and hence the
name steam gasification. The gas yield is lower (about 50%). The water gas is produced in
industries by$his method.
f) Hydrogenation:
In this, the biomass is subjected to a higher temperature (about 400°C) and high
pressures
(about 100 atmospheres). Under these conditions, carbon monoxide and steam react with the
cellulose in the biomass and produce heavy oils. These heavy oils can be refined further to
obtain high quality fuels.
BIO-METHANIZATION : / BIOGAS ENERGY CONVERSION
Bio-gas a mixture of methane(55-65%), carbon dioxide (30-40%) and other gases. The
major content is methane (about 55 to 65%) which the combustible gas and is the source of
thermal energy. Bio-gas can be produced from the decomposition of animal, plant and human
wastes. It has a calorific value between 20 to 23 MJ/m3. It is a popular source of energy cooking
in India and many other countries. Many village people have found bio-gas as the best
alternative fuel for the good old fire wood, which very scarce now. Also, the material used for
digestion can be used as manure for fields after the generation of bio-gas. In India, bio-gas has
been popular by the name Gobar Gas, mainly because of the use of cow dung for its
production. Gobar stands for manure made mainly from the cow dung.
Bio-gas is produced by digestion, pyrolysis or hydro-gasification. Bio-gas is produced
mostly by anaerobic digestion. Digestion is a biological process taking place in the absence of
oxygen and in the presence of anaerobic organisms at atmospheric pressures and
temperatures around 35 – 70 o C . The digestion process takes place in a container called the
digester.
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION:-
The treatment of any slurry or sludge containing a large amount of organic matter, utilizing
bacterial and other microorganisms under anaerobic condition(i.e., in the absence of oxygen) is
called Anaerobic Digestion.
Principle of Anaerobic digestion:
Anaerobic digestion is the microbial digestion of biomass in the absence of oxygen. An
anaerobic is a micro-organism that lives and grows without oxygen. It uses the oxygen
available in the matter, by decomposition. The process takes place in the temperature range of
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Nehru Nagar, Puttur - 574 203, DK, Karnataka State – INDIA. PREPARE
D BY :
SATHEESHA KUMAR K (ASST. PROF. DEPT. OF MECHANICAL ENGG.)
ME
15/09/2015
35 to 70°C, and about 80% moisture is essential for the reaction to take place. The reaction
releases mainly CO2 and CH (methane) with negligible impurities. Green plants, animal dung,
2
sewage sludge, wood shavings, straw, etc., under go anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic
digestion or fermentation consists of 3 phases:
1) Enzymatic Hydrolysis: In this phase, the fats, starches and proteins contained in cellulosic
biomass are broken down into simple compounds.
2) Acid Formation: In this phase, The complex organic compounds converted into simple
organic acids. The acetic acids and volatile solids are formed by hydrolysis and
fermentation from micro organism of facultative and anaerobic group and together
called acid formers. This stage may last about two weeks and this phase results in the
fermentation of large amount of carbon dioxide.
3) Methane fermentation: In this phase, the acids produced from previous phase converted
into methane (CH4) and CO2 by anaerobic bacteria which are also known as methane
fermentors. For digestion process to be efficient ,these acid formers and methane
fementors must be in a stage of dynamic equilibrium. The variation in pH value, will
affect the methane formers as they are sensitive to pH variations. For fermentation and
bio-gas generation, a pH value of 6.5 to 8 is suitable.
The anaerobic digestion is represented by the general equation;
Cx Hy O2 + [ x-y/4 – z/2] H2 O -------> [ x-y/8 + z/4] CO2 + [ x/2 + y/8 – z/4] CH4
For Cellulose,
(C6 H10O5)n + nH2 O -------> 3n CO2 + 3nCH4
It is also to be noted that, the digestion at high temperature is faster than that at lower
temperature. For every 5oC raise in temperature, the gas yield rate increase twice. The
temperature ranges that influence the bacteria are,
• Psicrophilic, about 20oC
• Mesophilic, about 45oC
• Thermophilic, about 65oC
In tropical countries, the digesters are operating in psicrophilic range. The digesters are heated
in cold climates by using a part of biogas output and temperature ranges up to 35 oC.
Some digesters works at 55oC, to digest material.
Advantages of anaerobic digestion :
• The anaerobic digestion produces biogas which has a calorific value. Hence this
gas could be successfully used to produce steam or hot water.
• A smaller quantity of excess sludge is produced during anaerobic digestion of organic
matter.
• The running cost is very less when compared to equivalent aerobic system.
• The odour is less.
• The use of biogas in industries reduces the consumption of coal and also reduces air
pollution.
• The nutrient requirement is less due to low production of bacterial solids.
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SOURCES OF BIOMASS FOR DIGESTION OR MATERIALS USED FOR BIO-GAS GENERATION:
The important biomass sources available for biogas generation are as follows:
1. Animal Wastes :-
This is the basic source of biomass available for generation of biomass throughout the
world. These are rich in organic matter and undergo easy fermentation and release
good amount of gas. The volume of gas produced per unit mass of these materials is
high compared to any other source. The important animal washes are cattle dung,
urine, goat and poultry dropping, waste from slaughter houses, leather and wood
wastes, and elephant dung.
2. Human wastes:-
Though this is not a popular source of biomass, it is possible to use the human wastes
for the generation of biogas. Such materials include sewage, human excreta, urine and
other wastes.
3. Agricultural wastes:-
This is the second largest source available next to animal wastes. Though it is not as rich
as animal waste in organic matters, it is available in large quantities. The important
materials from agricultural wastes include stubble of crops, sugar cane thrash, spoiled
fodder, bagasse, tobacco waste, coffee/tea plant wastes, cotton plant wastes, etc.
4. Industrial waste:-
This is another major source of biomass for biogasification. Many industries (mainly
agriculture and animal based) produce large amount of spent wastes, which are difficult
to dispose off. Such wastes can be successfully used to produce biogas. If plants
are located nearby, the transportation costs are reduced. The main industrial wastes
are resides from sugar factories, tanneries, paper mills, sericulture industries, food
processing industries, etc
5. Marine plants :-
Biomass source from water is ajso enormous throughout the world. These may be the
wastes of aquatic organism or the plant itself. There are three important marine plants
available as encouraging sources of biomass. They are-Water Hyacinth, algae and
Ocean kelp etc.
Classification of Bio-gas digester or Bio-gas Plants:-
1. Continuous types
• Single stage
• Double Stage
2. Batch type
3.The dome type or the drum types
• Floating gas holder (Floating Drum) or KVIC Model or Indian design digester.
• Fixed dome type or Chainese model or Janatha model.
4. Different variations in the drum type.
1. Continuous type bio-gas Plant:-
In continuous plant there is a single digester in which raw material are charged regularly from
one end and the biogas is produced by the continuous process of biogas conversion in the
digester without interruption except for their repair and cleaning etc. The used slurry comes out
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from the digester at the other end. The gas production goes on continuously till the plant is
stopped (supply of raw slurry at the input). The input slurry for this type of plant is either self
buffered (for example cow dung which has enough biomass and can get digested easily) or the
biomass mixed with sufficient amount of digesting material. This ensures the continuous
generation biogas in the plant. Continuous process may be completed in. a single stage or
separated in two stage.
i. Single stage Process:
In this process, the complete conversion of complex organic-components into
biogas involving more phases of anaerobic digestion takes place in a single chamber
and hence the name Single Stage Process. This process is schematically illustrated in
Figure 1.
In operation, the slurry is fed regularly at the inlet, so as to produce the gas continuously.
Also the digested sludge and other spent residue (scum and supernatant)
are periodically removed at their respective outlets. The fed slurry enters the main
digestion chamber, and as the reaction proceeds the digested sludge moves down, and
the scum and supernatant move up. The gas generated gets collected at the upper
portion of the dome (above the scum layer) which can be used for various applications.
Figure 1.
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ii. Double Stage Process
figure 2.
In this process of biogasification, the two important anaerobic digestion phases
(acidogenic phase and methonogenic phase) are separated and allowed to take.place in
two different chambers. The schematic arrangement of this process is the illustrated in
Fig. 2.
Hence, this process consists of two digesters. In the first stage digester, the raw slurry is
fed at the top. The slurry is thoroughly mixed with a stirrer and heated using an external
heat supply to obtain an optimum reaction. In this chamber only the acidogenic reaction
takes place in the slurry. This slurry is then fed to the second stage digester, in which
methonoggnic reaction takes place leading to the formation of biogas. The digested
sludge settles down in the second digester, with the scum rising top. The generated gas
is collected above the scum in the dome. The spent resides i.e., digested sludge,
supernatant and the scum are periodically discharged from the second stage digester.
The biogas is taken out from the top of the second stage digester for use.
Advantages of Continuous Plants:-
1. The gas generation is continuous.
2. The time required for digestion is minimum.
3. The size of digesters is smaller.
4. The gas generation problems are minimum.
5. Double stage process is more efficient.
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2. Batch type Biogas plants:-
In this type of biogas plant the gas generation takes place in intermittent batches. The plant
consists of a battery (series) of digesters with a common gas holder. A Batch type biogas plant is
schematically illustrated in Fig. 3.
The battery of digesters is charged periodically with cow dung, lime, urea and allowed to
ferment for above 40 to 50 days. Each battery produces biogas and the generated gas gets
accumulated in the common gas holder. Later the digester are emptied and charged one after
the other in a synchronous manner, so that a regular supply of gas is maintained through the
common gas holder. Each digester may take about 10-15 days to start generating biogas after
charging. Initially for about 3 to 5 days, the fresh charge can be stirred iar open atmosphere for
better results before closing the dome.
Generally, such plants are expensive, labour intensive and suitable for very large capacities.
Disadvantages of batch type of plants:
1. The gas generatipn process is not continuous.
2. It requires a series of digesters and hence the plant size is large.
3. Usually it needs a fermented slurry as the input for better digestion and gas
production.
4. For raw slurry input aeration is reqiured.
5. It is expensive and labour intensive
3. Dome type Biogas plant:-
In dome type of bio gas plants, digester and the gas holder both are combined. The fixed dome
is best suited for batch process especially when daily feeding is adopted in small quantities. The
fixed dome digester is usually built Below ground level and is suitable for cooler regions. In
drum type, digester and gas holder both are separated. Digester is of masonry construction and
gas holder is of M.S plates. The fixed dome plant is called Chinese plant. There are different
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shapes in both the designs, cylindrical, rectangular spherical etc. The digester may be Vertical
or horizontal. They can be constructed, above the-ground or' below the ground.
a) Floating drum type biogas palnt (Floating gas holder or KVIC Model or Indian design
digester).
Figure 4.
It mainly consists of two parts, 1) digester or pit. 2) gas holder or gas collector. Which is as
shown in figure 4
Digester: It is also called fermentation plant, it is a sort of well of masonry work, dug and built
below the ground level. The depth of this well varies from 3.5 m to 6 meters, and diameter from
1.35 m to 6m, depending on the gas generating capacity and the quantity of raw material fed
for each day. The digester well is divided in to two semi cylindrical compartments by means of
partition wall. The level of the partition wall is lower than the level of the digester rim .Two
slanting cement pipes reach the bottom of the well on either side of-the partition wall. One
pipe serves as the inlet and the other as outlet. An inlet chamber near the digester, at the
surface level serves for mixing dung and water which is done mechanical or manually. The
mixture of dung and water in the proportions of 4:5 by volume,'called slurry, flows down the
inlet pipe to the bottom of the primary compartment of the digester. The digester is designed to
hold the 60 days raw material. The outlet chamber is again at surface level, just a few
centimeters below the level of the inlet chamber. If both compartments of the digester are full
and more slurry is added from the inlet, then equivalent amount of fermented slurry flows out
of the outlet and discharged in to the composite pit.
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Gas holder: It is a drum constructed of mild, steel sheets, cylindrical in shape, with a conical top
and radial supports at the bottom. It sinks into the slurry due to its own weight and rests upon
the ring constructed for this purpose. As the gas is generated the holder rises and floats freely
on the Surface of the slurry. As the pipe is provided at the top of the holder for flow of the gas
for usage. To prevent the holder from tilting a central guide pipe is fitted to the frame and is
fixed at the bottom in the masonry work. The holder is capable of holding pressure equivalent
up to 9 cm of water column. The holder also acts as the seal for the gas.
The construction of this plant is very simple and the gas comes out with constant pressure. The
only maintenance required is the painting of the gas collector at regular intervals
Working Principle:
• Slurry (mixture of equal quantities of biomass and water) is prepared in the mixing tank.
• The prepared slurry is fed into the inlet chamber of the digester through the inlet pipe.
• The plant is left unused for about two months and introduction of more slurry is
stopped.
• During this period, anaerobic fermentation of biomass takes place in the presence
of water and produces biogas in the digester.
• Biogas being lighter rises up and starts collecting in the gas holder. The gas holder now
starts moving up.
• The gas holder cannot rise up beyond a certain level. As more and more gas starts
collecting, more pressure begins to be exerted on the slurry.
• The spent slurry is now forced into the outlet chamber through outlet pipe.
• When the outlet chamber gets filled with the spent slurry, the excess is forced out
through the outlet pipe into the overflow tank. This is later used as manure for plants.
• The gas valve of the gas outlet is opened to get a supply of biogas.
• Once the production of biogas begins, a continuous supply of gas can be ensured by
regular removal of spent slurry and introduction of fresh slurry.
Advantages:
1. It has less scum trouble.
2. No separate pressure equalizing devices are required,
3. In it the danger-of mixing oxygen with the gas to form an explosive mixture is
minimized.
4. Higher gas production per m3 of the digester volume is achieved.
5. No problem of gas leakage.
6. Constant gas pressure.
Disadvantage:
1. It has higher cost, as cost is dependent steel and cement.
2. It has poor insulation against heat and hence it troubles in colder regions and periods..
3. Gas holder requires painting once or twice in a year.
4. The overall maintenance cost of the plant is more compared to fixed dome type.
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b) Fixed dome type [ Chinese digester or Janata Model Biogas Digester or Common Circular
Fixed Dome Digester ]
Figure. 5
The Chinese digester or Janata model or fixed dome digester is a drum less type similar
in construction to the KVIC model except that the steel drum is replaced by fixed dome roof
of masonry construction which is as shown in figure 5. The dome roof in Chinese model
requires specialized design and skilled masonry construction. A poorly constructed roof
generally leads to leakage from top and junction of the roof with the digester wall thereby
causing drop in gas yield. Therefore, at least three layers of extra careful plasters are must to
prevent any gas leakage. The cement plaster work is very laborious and also adds to the cost
of construction. More ever quality and correct proportions of the raw materials during the
construction have to be maintained properly to achieve biogas impermeability. In areas where
soil swell and shrink considerably there are chances of developing cracks in the brick masonry
construction
The basic component of this model are.
Digester: The is a cylindrical chamber made of brick, sand and cement constructed under the
ground where fermentation of dung takes place. The slurry flows in and out of digester
through rectangular openings provided as shown in figure.
Dome: The roof the digester is shaped hemispherical and is called Dome and is of fixed type.
The gas collected in the dome space exerts pressure on the slurry in the digester.
Inlet Chamber: It is made of bricks, cement and sand and is provided with an opening at
ground level. A sloppy wall at the outlet ensures easy movement of the cattle dung to the
digester.
Outlet Chamber: The dogested slurry moves out of the digester at a per-determined height
through outlet chamber. It is also provided with opening at the ground level. The digested or
spent slurry enters a composite pit through this opening.
Mixing tank: It is the chamber in which slurry is formed. The slurry is then enters into the inlet
chamber.
Gas outlet Pipe: The dome is fitted with a gas pipe to convey the gas to use. The gas flow is
regulated by valve provided at the end of gas pipe.
Working :
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• The various forms of biomass are mixed with an equal quantity of water in the mixing
tank. This forms the slurry.
• The slurry is fed into the digester through the inlet chamber.
• When the digester is partially filled with the slurry, the introduction of slurry is stopped
and the plant is left unused for about two months.
• During these two months, anaerobic bacteria present in the slurry decomposes or
ferments the biomass in the presence of water.
• As a result of anaerobic fermentation, biogas is formed, which starts collecting in the
dome of the digester.
• As more and more biogas starts collecting, the pressure exerted by the biogas forces the
spent slurry into the outlet chamber.
• From the outlet chamber, the spent slurry overflows into the overflow tank.
• The spent slurry is manually removed from the overflow tank and used as manure for
plants.
• The gas valve connected to a system of pipelines is opened when a supply of biogas is
required.
• To obtain a continuous supply of biogas, a functioning plant can be fed continuously
with the prepared slurry.
Advantages:
1. It has low cost compared to floating drum type.
2. It has no corrosion problem.
3. The plant is well insulated against the heat and hence constant temperature can
be maintained,
4. Almost all bio mass can be fed.
5. No maintenance.
Disadvantages;
1. This plant construction requires skilled masons.
2. Gas production per cum of the digester volume is less.
3. Scum formation is problem no stirring arrangement.
4. It has variable gas pressure.
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Effects of Temperature on Biogas Production:-

The production of biogas usinj anaerobic digestion of the biomass depends mainly on
the temperature. The gas generation slows down below 20°C and ceases below 10°C. Usually,
two types of microorganisms, mesophilic and thermophilic, are responsible for digestion of the
biomass at two temperature ranges. The mesophilic range is between 10 to 45°C and
thermophilic range is between 35 to 65°C but in In tropical countries, the digesters are
operating in psicrophilic range(about 20°C). The optimum temperature for both the reactions is
about 35°C. The effect of temperature on biomass digestion is shown in Fig. 6.
figure. 6
Generally, the higher thermophilic range is not used for gas generation since it involves heating
the tanks to higher ranges (60 QC). Experimentally it has been shown that the natural bacteria
work is best between 35°C and 40°C where both the micro organisms function optimally.
Methods for Continuous Biogas Production ( or Methods for maintaining Biogas Production)
It has been mentioned that the temperature of the sludge is important in maintaining the
reactions and hence generation of biogas. An optimum temperature (35 to 40°C) is required to
be maintained to keep the fermentation process continuously. The various methods available to
maintain the required temperature condition, and hence the continuous induction of biogas
are as follows:
1. Insulation of biogas plant: A better insulation of the plant keeps the inside temperature
in the required level, thus helping good digestion process. The underground digesters
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have natural insulation, and perform well. External insulation like straw, fibre glass, etc
can also be used for exposed digesters.
2. Composting around the pit: In this method, additional heat is generated around
the annular ring of the upper part of the digester. In this method, a compost pit of
suitable size is excavated all around the digester at the upper part. The soil is lined
with a concrete lining and filled with alternate layers of paddy straw and cow dung,
and these layers are moisturized. These layers of organic matter and straw start
decomposing in 2-
3 days arid increase the pit temperature (up to 60°C). This shields the pit from Heat loss
and also supplies heat to the digester, there by keeping the slurry temperature around
40°C and helps in good biogas production.
3. Circulation of hot water: In this, water tubes are run in the slurry tank, and hot water is
circulated through them. The heat transfer from the hot water tubes to the slurry takes
place, there by maintaining the desired temperature. However, this system is expensive,
and also increases the cost of the gas produced.
4. Addition of chemicals: The addition of urea and animal urine to the sludge is found to
increase the reaction .temperature and also the gas production rate. This method is
simple and economical.
5. Use of solar energy: In this, the solar energy is used to heat the water, which in turn is
used to mix the slurry before letting into the digester. The heat losses are compensated
by the hot water mixed slurry.
Factors affecting biogas generation:( or Factors influencing biogas yield):-
1. pH or hydrogen ion concentration: In the digester, a suitable pH range is to be
maintained to provide constant supply of the gas’ In a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5,
microorganism will be very active and bio-digestion will be very efficient. The addition of
some material to the digester causes variation in the pH value and results in the
imbalance of bacteria population. For sewage solids, the ideal pH is from 7 to 7.5.
2. Temperature: The temperature range from 35 °C to 40 °C results in better methane
formation. The gas generation starts decreasing at 20 °C and ceases completely at 10 °C.
Similarly when the temperature crosses 40°C the production rate drops (considerably.
Thus the digester temperature has to be maintained for good operation.
3. Total solid content of feed material: In order to get total solid content of 8 to 10 %, the
cow dung is to be mixed in the range of 1:1 by weight. Around 80 to 82 % of moisture is
present in raw cow dung and remaining 18 - 20 % is called total solids. The adjustment
made in total solid content increases the bio digestion rate.
4. Loading rate: The amount of raw material supplied to the fermentation tank (digester)
per day per unit volume is known as loading rate. For municipal sewage treatment
plants, the loading rate ranges from 1.2 to 5.3 kg/m3/day. High loading rate, results in
the formation of acids and thus fermentation stops.
5. Seeding: Seeding is nothing but the increase in number of methane formers by artificial
means. It uses digested sludge which is rich in methane formers. But higher seeding is
also not desirable as gas production decreases beyond certain limits due to reduction of
total solid contents of the cow dung.
6. Uniform feeding: In orjler to provide good fermentation in the digester, a control over
quality and quantity of raw material supplied to the digester is essential. Therefore, all
the time uniform feeding of digester is necessary.
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7. Carbon nitrogen ratio of the input material: For an optimal digestion rate, a carbon
nitrogen ratio of 30:1 is necessary. High carbon in raw material slows down the digester.
High nitrogen content of the raw material may stop the fermentation process. The
ammonia formed due to nitrogen and Hydrogen may kill methane producers.
8. Diameter to depth ratio: it was investigated that maximum gas production rate occurs
with diameter to depth ratio of 0.66 to 1.0. But the effect of temperature at different
depths also plays important role is deciding this ratio.
9. Nutrients: In digester, the bacteria always require C, H 2, 0 2, P and S. Out of these
nutrients, the supply of N 2 and P are always short. In order to compensate this, extra raw
material which is rich in Phosphorous and N 2 must be added to increase the gas
generation rate.
10. Mixing or stirring or agitation of content of digester: In digester, a proper mixing of
slurry is required to improve the fermentation process. Slight mixing results in good
fermentation and the digestion may be retarded due to violent agitation.
11. Retention period or feeding rate: The temperature and feed stocks influence the
retention period of the material for biogas generation. Usually the retention period is
kept from 30 to 45 days.
12. Pressure: The fermentation process is also influenced by the pressure acting on the
slurry surface. Lower pressure gives better fermentation process.
13. Acid accumulation inside the digester: When fresh raw material is supplied in excess,
the pH value decrease due to the formation of acids. The addition of neem cake
produces methane from these acids.
14. Toxicity: If the digested and fermented slurry is left in the digester tank beyond certain
time, it becomes toxic and affects the further fermentation process, thereby reducing the
gas production rate. Hence, it is essential to ensure periodical out flow of the digested
slurry from the tank with proper input of fresh slurry.
15. Type of feed stocks:
Problems related to Bio-gas plants:

1. Handling of effluent Slurry :
This is a major problem when there is not sufficient open space or compost pit for drying
the slurry. Otherwise, the transportation of the slurry to long distances/ fields adds to the
cost and production becomes costlier.
2. Temperature variation :
The methanogenic bacteria involved in gas generation are very sensitive to temperature
and affects the gas generation rate ie During winter as the temperature falls, there is
decrease in the activity of the methanogenic bacteria and subsequently fall in the gas
production rate. Many methods have been suggested to overcome this temperature
problem. 1) Using solar heated hot water to make slurry 2).Green house effect 3) Manual
stirring 4) Addition of nutrients 5) Covering the bio gas plant by straw bags .
3. Improper loading of slurry:
The slurry should be properly mixed with water and uniformly loaded. The solid content
to water should be in the proportion of 0.82 to 0.18. If the water quantify is reduced, the
slurry becomes thick and the flow from the inlet to the outlet slows down thereby
reducing the gas production. Improper quantity of water also makes it difficult to stir the
slurry.
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4. pH and Volatile fatty adds:
For continuous and effective gas production, it is essential to maintain an optimum value
of pH and volatile fatty acids in the slurry. To keep the pH slightly above 7.0 it is
suggested to use lime, which improves the bacteria activity.
5. Leakage of Gas:
Once the gas holder is filled up completely, further gas generation causes leakage
problems at the water seal and joints. Thus, the slurry loading should be made in such a
way that the gas production is almost equal to the usage and also the immediate
detection and repair of gas leakage is always required.
6. Due to lack of knowledge about biogas generation, some persons add urea
fertilizer which results in toxicity of ammonia nitrogen and decreases gas production.
Digester Design Consideration:-
The following factors are to be taken into account to arrive an optimum size of a biogas
plant. These are,
• The volume of waste to be digested daily.
• The type and amount of waste available for digestion consistently.
• Period of digestion.
• Methods of stirring, the contents if any,
• Method of adding the raw waste and removing digested slurry,
• Efficiency of the collection of the raw waste.
• The climate condition of the region.
• The availability of other cellulosic fermentable waste in that area.
• Information about sub-soil condition and waste table, and
• Type of the cover.
APPLICATIONS OF BIO-GAS:
Biogas can be used for various applications. These include domestic, industrial and in
engines..These applications are briefly discussed here.
Use for Domestic and General applications
In general, biogas can be used as a source of heat for any purpose- both domestic
and industrial. In villages where the availability of cow dung is maximum they are very
popular in domestic cooking. For cooking, the gas is to be burnt in a gas burner which is
similar to normal LPG gas burner except for the jet size and gas flow rate. Generally, the biogas
plant is located in a free space from where pipe line is laid up to the kitchen to carry the gas
produced from the digester collector tank.
Biogas can be used as a source of light also. It needs a mantle type burner lamp (like
petromax lights using kerosene) jThe main disadvantages of these lamps are that they
consume more biogas, and are suitable only for stationary applications.
Use of Biogas in Engines
Biogas can also be used in I.C. engines in place of petrol and diesel. However, engines using
biogas become more hotter thereby requiring more cooling. The other problem is that they
cannot producefiigh power per unit volume of gas burnt like that of liquid fuels. Petrol engines
can be run 100% on biogas except for the initial starting where petrol is required. Diesel
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engines need modifications to run as duel fuel engines which use both diesel and biogas. The
diesel is to be injected into the compressed biogas in the cylinder to ignite it. This is because the
temperature at the end of compression strokes in diesel engines is around 700°C, where as the
ignition temperature required for the methane-air mixture is around 815°C.
Digester Design Consideration :
Volume of Digester for Biogas Production using Cow Dung only:

Energy available from a biogas digester =E= η Hm Fm Vb
where, η = combustion efficiency of burner

Hm = Heat of combustion of methane (56 MJ/kg, 28 MJ/m3 at STP).
Fm = Fraction of methane in biogas
Vb = Volume of biogas = C mo
C = Biogas per unit dry mass (0.2 to 0.4 m3/kg)
mo = mass of dry input
The volume of fluid in the digester = Vf= mo/ρm
ρm = density of dry material in the fluid ( appr. 50 kg/m3).
Volume of Digester = Vd = Vf tr
Vf = flow rate of digester fluid , tr = Retention time
PROBLEM :
The following data are given for a family biogas digester suitable for the output of five
cows: Retension Time : 20 days, Temperature : 30 deg. C ,
Dry matter consumed per day: 2kg/cow/day
Biogas Yield :0.24 m3/ kg
The efficiency of burner: 60%

Methane Proportion : 0.8
Heat of Combustion of Methane : 28 MJ/m3
Calculate : 1) Volume of the biogas digester ii) Power available from the digester
Ans:
Mass of dry input fed per day= 2X5=10 kg/day
Total volume of fluid fed per day =Vf =mo/ρm
= 10/50=0.2 m3/day
The volume of the digester =Vd= Vf X tr=0.2 x 20 =4 m3
Volume of biogas =Vb =C mo = biogas yield input X mass of dry input
= 0.24 X 10 = 2.4 m3/day
Power = η Hm Fm Vb = 0.6X28X0.8X0.24X10
= 32.25 MJ/day = 8.8 kWh/day == 370 W
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A.

Year / Chapter Semester Subject Topic

Solar Energy Photosynthesis Biomass Energy generation

Energy Content of Bio-fuels:-

Fuel Type Specific energy Energy Density Energy per CO2

Eucalyptus 7-10 4800

Leucaena 30-40 4200-4800

Acavia auriculiformis 10-12 4800-4900

Advantages of energy Plantation:

6CO2+ 12 H20 ---> C6H12O6 + 6H20 + 602

H2CO + O2 ---> CO2 + H20 +112 Kcal / mol of energy.

Animal manure and weeds

2.Thermo-Chemical Conversion Processes:-

INERT GAS SOLID, LIQUID AND

> 100% O2 HIGH TEMP. CO2 + HEAT

Char And Tar

Effects of Temperature on Biogas Production:-

Problems related to Bio-gas plants:

Volume of Digester for Biogas Production using Cow Dung only:

where, η = combustion efficiency of burner

Dry matter consumed per day: 2kg/cow/day

Biogas Yield :0.24 m3/ kg

The efficiency of burner: 60%

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