STARTING UP A BIO GAS PLANT
POST NUMBER :08 Date : 02/05/2004
BIO GAS PLANT PROCESS DESCRIPTION:
Biotechnology process
stage one : hydrolysis by hydrolytic bactaria, conversion of extracellular molecules
stage two : thermophilic fermentation based on carbohydrates
stage three : synthesis of volatile fatty acids by acetogenic bacteria
stage four : synthesis of methane by methanogenic organisms
STARTING UP A BIO GAS PLANT:
OPERATION OF BIO GAS PLANT
FLOW CHART: CRUSHER(less than 7mm particle size)----thermophilic Aerobic digester(Temp 55 degree C )---Mesophilic Anaerobic Digester(37 Degree C )---Manure Pit
POST NUMBER :08 Date : 02/05/2004
BIO GAS PLANT PROCESS DESCRIPTION:
STARTING UP A BIO GAS PLANT:
Aspect
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Bottlenecks
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Remarks
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CONTROLS
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Check for Gas leaks
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Check hood , pipe etc. Monthly checking of leakage by pressure system and or with soap water
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Cow dung slurry
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Make slurry of cow dung and fresh water in the ratio 2kg dung 15 liter water (thumb rule 10% dung of water volume). Fill up the bio digester with the slurry.
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Slurry fermentation
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Wait for slurry to form gas. It normally takes 3 to ten days.Gas formation can be seen by rising of floating dome or pressure gauge in fixed dome.
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Start of Feeding
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Start fresh feeding after formation of gas. Start with small quantity of feed material in 1:1 ratio. After 15 days, start feeding full capacity.
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Complete Release of first gas produced
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Gases should be released to the atmosphere at least three times at a gap of three days each.
It may be needed to be released more till methane percentage of 60% reached .Do a sample bio gas test to know exact position of gas produced.
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Technical
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Improper preparation of influent solids
leading to blockage and scum formation
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Proper milling and other treatment measures (pre-
soaking, adjustment of C/N ratio); removal of inert
particles: sand and stone.
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Temperature fluctuations
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Careful regulation of temperature through use of
incorporation of auxiliary solar heating system.
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Maintenance of pH for optimal growth of
Methanogenic bacteria
C/N ratio
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Appropriate choice of raw material, regulation of
C/N ratio and dilution rate.
Appropriate mixing of N-rich and N-poor
substrates with cellulosic substrates.
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Dilution ratio of influent solids content
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Appropriate treatment of raw materials to avoid
stratification and scum formation.
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Retention time of slurry
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Dependent upon dilution ratio, loading rate,
digestion temperature.
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Loading rate
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Dependent upon digester size, dilution ratio,
digestion temperature.
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Seeding of an appropriate bacterial
Population for biogas generation
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Development of specific and potent cultures.
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Corrosion of gas holder
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Construction from cheap materials (glass fibre,
clay, jute-fibre reinforced plastic) and/or regular
cleaning and layering with protective materials
(e.g., lubricating oil).
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Pin-hole leakages (digester tank, holder,
inlet, outlet)
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Establishment of "no leak" conditions, use of
external protective coating materials (PVC,
creosotes
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Occurrence of CO2 reducing calorific
value of biogas
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Reduction in CO2 content through passage in
lime-water
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Occurrence of water condensate in gas
supply system (blockage, rusting)
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Appropriate drainage system using condensate
traps
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Occurrence of H2S leading to corrosion
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On a village scale, H2S removed by passing over
ferric oxide or iron filings
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Improper combustion
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Proper air gas mixing appliances necessary
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Maintenance of gas supply at constant
pressure
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Regulation of uniform distribution and use of gas;
removal of water condensate from piping systems;
appropriate choice of gas holder in terms of weight
and capacity
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Residue
utilization
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Risks to health and plant crops resulting
from residual accumulation of toxic materials
and encysted pathogens
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Avoid use of chemical industry effluents; more
research on type, nature, and die-off rates of
persisting organisms; minimize long transportation
period of un-dried effluent
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Health
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Hazards to human health in transporting
night soil and other wastes (gray-water)
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Linkage of latrine run-offs into biogas reactors
promotes non-manual operations and general
aesthetics
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Safety
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Improper handling and storage of methane
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Appropriate measures necessary for plant
operation, handling, and storage of biogas through
provision of extension and servicing facilities
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