What Is Biogas

Biogas is a gas mixture which is generated when organic compounds are fermented in the absence of air (anaerobic fermentation). This gas mixture is mainly made of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Methane is a combustible gas, which means it can be burned. It can be used as a fuel for cooking and lighting.

The precautions:

  • The plant must be tested to make sure it is water-tight and gas-tight.
  • Enough fresh material must be added before it is used every day.
  • There must be a water source to provide enough water to clean the livestock pens regularly, to provide fresh material for the fermentation chamber system. (Each liter of manure needs 1 - 3 liters of water).
  • The plant must be equipped with a safety valve or U-shaped barometer.
  • Chemicals such as detergents or pesticides must not be put into the fermentation chamber.
  • Initially, after fresh manure and water is added to the fermentation chamber, the valve should be opened so the gas can escape. At this stage, the gas is mainly carbon dioxide. This should be done once or twice, before the biogas plant comes into use for biogas production.
  • The gas from the fermentation chamber is not used directly, but is stored in an auxiliary gas tank protected by a safety valve. It is this auxiliary gas tank, not the main gas tank, which is connected to any domestic appliances.