Biogas Utilization and Cleanup
Introduction
Biogas generated from anaerobic digestion processes is a clean and environmentally friendly renewable fuel. But it is important to clean, or upgrade, biogas before using it to increase its heating value and to make it useable in some gas appliances such as engines and boilers.
Biogas Utilization
While most large farms use their biogas for heat and power, it is worthwhile to consider all the options before deciding which path to take, including direct sale of biogas to an …
Anaerobic Digesters and Biogas Safety
When manure is anaerobically digested, the biogas produced is primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, with lesser amounts of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and other gases. Each of these gases has safety issues. Overall, biogas risks include explosion, asphyxiation, disease, and hydrogen sulfide poisoning.
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| Image: US Municipal Supply Company. |
Extreme caution is necessary when working with biogas. Adequate ventilation, appropriate precautions, good work practices, engineering controls, and adequate personal protective equipment will minimize the dangers associated with biogas. Wherever possible, …
Uses of Solids and By-Products of Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic Digestate Pile, Scenic View Dairy, MI. Photo: M.C. Gould, MSU Extension
Anaerobic digestion generates a wide range of byproducts that farmers can use in their farming operations or sell. Beyond biogas used to generate electricity or as fuel, and liquids used for fertilizer or soil amendments, there are solid byproducts, which have a wide range of applications.
Table of Contents:
…Pathogen Reduction in Anaerobic Digestion of Manure
Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion of Manure in Reducing Pathogens
Manure is a biologically active material that hosts and supports many microorganisms and thus can seldom be considered “pathogen free.” Certain manure handling techniques and methods, however, can limit the production and multiplication of such pathogens. Common sense must be used when making manure handling decisions. Pathogens are microbes such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other organisms that cause disease. These pathogens persist commonly in animal manures. For more information …
Environmental Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion
The manure handling system of any farm is made up of many different components, each with a different function and purpose. An anaerobic digester, although only one component of the system, can greatly improve the environmental performance and efficiency of the overall system. The main effect of anaerobic digestion is conversion of organic matter to biogas. This conversion has many potentially beneficial environmental and management side effects.
Odor reduction
By removing organic matter, the digester reduces the organic matter-loading and …
Types of Anaerobic Digesters
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Passive Systems Low Rate Systems High Rate Systems Contributors To This Article |
All anaerobic digesters perform the same basic function. They hold manure in the absence of oxygen and maintain the proper conditions for methane forming microorganisms to grow. There is a wide variety of anaerobic digesters, each performing this basic function in a subtly different way. Seven of the most common digesters are described in this article. Construction and material handling techniques can vary greatly within …
Animal Fats for Biodiesel Production
Explore the use of animal fats as an oil feedstock in the production of biodiesel. This article covers the advantages and challenges of using oil from animal fat in biodiesel fuel.
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| Beef tallow. Photo: FotoosvanRobin; Wikimedia Commons. |
Contents
…Economics of Small-Scale Biodiesel Production
Economics of Small-Scale Biodiesel Production
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| Canola or rapeseed oil crop. Photo: eXtension Ag Energy. |
Small-scale biodiesel production economics can vary substantially depending on an individual producer’s choice of feedstock, equipment, market, and the …
Warm Climate Feedstocks for Biodiesel
Did you know the state tree of Hawaii, the candlenut tree or kukui, can produce oil for biodiesel energy? Oil palm, coconut, jatropha, croton, candlenut, and tallow tree are warm climate trees whose oil from nuts, seeds or fruits can be used to make biodiesel.
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Coconuts grows in most tropical areas. |
Contents
Introduction
Although the following trees and crops are not generally grown commercially in the United States, American farmers …