Transformation and Agronomic Use of Nutrients From Digester Effluent

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Anaerobic Digestion Nutrient Transformations

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the process in which organic compounds are broken down by naturally occurring bacteria, including methanogenic microorganisms under oxygen free conditions, transforming organic matter into biogas (methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide) (Dugba and Zhang, 1999; AgSTAR, 2010b). The end products of this process include biogas, a renewable …

Cayuga County Manure Digester Virtual Tour

livestock and poultry environmental learning center logo with cow, pig, and chicken sillhouettes over a map of the U.S. with three circling arrows

Anaerobic digestion is a manure treatment system that produces biogas. There are many benefits of digestion such as reductions in: odor, pathogens, and greenhouse gases (climate change). Producing biogas from manure yields useful by-products.  The economics of digestion are dependent on state energy policies and co-digestion of off-farm wastes to generate revenue.

Cayuga County Regional Digester (New York)

This virtual tour highlights the Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation District regional digester. This facility receives …

What is the energy potential from manure produced by livestock?

Most references on bomb calorimeter studies of manure indicate about 7,500 BTU/lb of manure dry matter. This value is similar to the energy in raw feedstuffs. One finishing pig will consume about 600 lb of feed. The energy content of the feed is about 5 million BTU. The pig will excrete about 150 lb of manure dry matter. Energy content of the manure is about 1 million BTU.
The water in manure must be vaporized before the manure will burn. …

Farm Energy Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas


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Articles and Fact Sheets


Processing Biomass Into Biogas


Tables Of Contents

Anaerobic Digestion of Animal Manures: Understanding the Basic Processes

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.

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, …

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 …

Uses of Solids and By-Products of Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic Digestate Pile at Scenic View Dairy in Fennville, MI
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.

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