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The term biogas animal waste refers to the generation of biogas from the anaerobic digestion process that breaks down the organic material found in animal dung. Biogas is a mixture of different gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen, which can be used as a fuel source. The main types of animal waste used in biogas generation include the following:
Cow dung
Cow dung is one of the widely used types of waste materials in biogas production. Pregnant cows have an average of 30 kgs of stool every day. In biogas production, cow dung is mixed with water at a ratio of 1:1 to support the anaerobic digestion process.
Poultry litter
Poultry litter, which includes a mixture of chicken or pig manure, bedding materials like wood shavings, and spilled feed is also used in biogas production. Chicken waste averages around 0.5 kg to 1 kg per day, while pig waste is around 1 kg to 2 kg. When producing biogas from poultry litter, water is often added at a ratio of 1:2 with the litter to enhance the digestion process.
Pig manure
Pig manure is rich in organic matter and is often used for biogas production. The anaerobic digester collects pig waste in closed tanks where organic substances are broken down by bacteria in a process called anaerobic digestion.
Sheep and goat manure
Sheep and goat manure are solid and dry compared to other types of animal waste and often need to be mixed with water to facilitate digestion in biogas digesters. About 1 to 2 kgs of manure per day is generated by sheep and goats. This manure can be used directly or composted before being used as fertilizer.
Some noteworthy features of biogas from animal waste include the following:
Renewable energy source
Biogas is a sustainable energy source that can be produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as animal waste, agricultural residues, or food waste. The key component in biogas is methane, which can be used for heating, electricity generation, and as a vehicle fuel.
Soil amendment
Biofertiliser is produced when the slurry left over after biogas production is used to improve soil health and fertility. This presents a win-win situation since the soil is improved while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse gas reduction
Biogas reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere since it provides a cleaner energy source and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Also, capturing methane from animal waste reduces the amount of methane emitted into the atmosphere.
Waste management
Biogas production helps in treating animal waste to reduce pollution and improve public health. This also reduces odors, pathogens, and harmful runoff associated with untreated waste.
Cost-effective
Producing biogas can lower energy costs and create a new revenue stream for farmers through the sale of energy, fertilizers, or other coproducts. With the rising energy prices, biogas offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for managing animal waste.
Energy independence
With biogas, farmers can become more energy independent since they no longer have to rely on external energy sources, thereby allowing them to generate their own renewable energy on-site.
According to reports, there have been a number of innovations related to biogas animal waste that focus on improving efficiency and sustainability.
Optimised Anaerobic Digesters
Recent improvements have focused on optimising anaerobic digesters designed specifically for different types of animal waste. These digesters enhance biogas yields by improving the breakdown of organic materials.
Co-Digestion
There has been a shift from using only animal waste to using biogas agricultural waste and other organic materials like crop residues or food waste to enhance the biogas production process. This method increases the overall biogas yield and makes the digesters more versatile and easier to operate.
Upgrading Technologies
Recent upgrades have focused on new technologies that purify and upgrade biogas into biomethane by removing impurities like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Technologies like pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and membrane separation are being incorporated into the existing systems to increase the efficiency of biogas use.
Energy Systems Integration
Farmers now integrate biogas systems with other renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to create a more reliable and resilient energy system. This integration allows for more efficient energy use and the potential to meet all of the farm's energy needs.
Digital Monitoring and Management
Farmers are incorporating sensors and digital monitoring systems that improve the operational performance of biogas digesters. These systems allow for real-time data collection and analysis to optimise the digestion process and improve biogas production.
Locally sourced and manufactured materials
Sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled metals are used to design biogas digesters to minimise the carbon footprint associated with construction.
When choosing a biogas plant from animal waste, it is important to consider the following factors:
Types of feedstock
Buyers should consider which type of waste can be practically obtained in large quantities and used in the biogas plant. This is because the type of feedstock used in the biogas plant influences the quantity and quality of the biogas produced.
Availability
Buyers should consider the availability of the feedstock in the location of the biogas plant. This is because factors like transportation costs and logistics will be affected by the availability of the feedstock. Consequently, they should opt for feedstock that is easily available in the biogas plant location to lower the costs of transportation and increase efficiency.
Biogas production potential
Buyers should consider the biogas production potential of the feedstock they settle for to ensure high potential returns. They should compare the biogas yields of different options and choose the one that offers the highest yield.
Economic factors
Buyers should select a feedstock that is cost-effective to use. They should weigh the costs of obtaining and processing the feedstock against the potential benefits like the biogas yield and the energy value.
Local climate and conditions
The feedstock type to use is also influenced by the local climate conditions in the location of the biogas plant. Buyers should consider the climate and how it affects the availability and characteristics of the feedstock they are considering.
Technical requirements and infrastructure
Buyers should consider the technical requirements and infrastructure needed to process the feedstock in the biogas plant. They should choose a feedstock that is compatible with the existing technology or easily upgradeable to support efficient biogas production.
A1. Biogas from animal waste is the natural mixture of gases produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter like animal waste. It consists mainly of water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, ammonium, hydrogen, and hydrogen sulfide.
A2. The biogas produced from chicken manure is mostly methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. These gases can be separated and cleaned, after which methane can be used as a clean energy source, and ammonia can be used to make fertilisers.
A3. The benefits of biogas are that it reduces the amount of waste going to landfills, which reduces methane emissions; provides renewable energy; reduces the need for chemical fertilisers; and enhances soil health while providing a sustainable solution for managing waste.
A4. The disadvantages of biogas are that it requires a significant initial investment, is weather dependent, offers inconsistent energy production, requires large land space and entails complicated procedures and maintenance that the average landowner may not be able to manage.
