BIOGAS TECHNOLOGY

BIOGAS TECHNOLOGY

Biogas is  the  gas generated when bacteria degrade biological materials in  the absence of oxygen, in a process known as anaerobic digestion. Biog as is a mixture of methane (also known as marsh gas or natural gas, CH4) and carbon dioxide. It is a renewable   fuel which has for a long while (time) been  produced from organic waste treatment .

Biogas Diagram

 GENERAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE . 

1.  Ensure the feed material is homogeneous (thoroughly mixed with water)   preferably at 1:1ratio,  before releasing into the digester. This will reduce the chances of settling substances along the inlet flow line.  
2. Ensure the particles are as tiny as possible to increase the surface area for bacterial action.( This   may imply crushing of lumps and other huge particles)  or use of soft dung which has not been left to dry for a  long time .
3. Antiseptics, pesticides and detergents should be avoided at all costs .
4. Non- digestible materials should be avoided during feeding of the plant hence there should be proper selection when using other different feeds for the digester apart from cow dung. 
5. Fittings and other accessories should be well fitted to avoid leakages.  (Gas outlet, water traps and valves should be occasionally checked for leakages).
6. Clean the overflow once in two weeks time to avoid blockage of the expansion chamber.
7. After using stove, valve must be closed and switch on the stove must be turned off. If only valve is closed it may cause rust on the switch. Grease the switch occasionally, and do not let it dry. Change a new switch when damaged as stove has been long used- Collins is this clear? 

General Rules in Bio - gas Uses 
In a new chamber, gas  produced after animal dung has been first added must be vented as it cannot be used. It should be vented 2 - 3 times or until gas becomes flammable.
Use manometer to check magnitude before using gas. Pressure should be at 10- 80 cm.
Do not leave valve opened when not in use. If pipe or hose is damaged, gas may leak and cause a fire.
Light should be lit closely at the head of burner before opening the valve. If the valve is
opened first, gas may come out exceedingly and is dangerous.
Do not use igniter to lighten the  stove because bio- gas is a slowly flammable passive gas.

Biogas Diagram 2

Close valve immediately and open windows and doors for ventilation. Do not fire until there is no more gas leaking. 

•  Expansion chamber unit  
• Gas piping
•  Accessories depending on the size of the plant installed

Always clean the burner by removing the head burner and pushing through the holes with a sharp wooden stick, wire or nail so that gas will flow out easily. Use a wire brush to get rid of sediment. Later scrub the rust or dirtiness out. 

• For a stove with built -in cooking vessel built into the stove, rem ove the tray under the stove to clean. 
•   When stove is being used, open valve in the kitchen first and set fire prepared at burner then turn on the switch of stove last. 
• Flame should come out from each hole of the burner head evenly, pale blue flame indicates clean burner but red flame indicates presence of sediment. 

Biogas burner