About Biogas Plant

It mainly comprises of hydro-carbon which is combustible and can produce heat and energy when burnt. Bio-gas is produced through a bio-chemical process in which certain types of bacteria convert the biological wastes into useful bio-gas. Since the useful gas originates from biological process, it has been termed as bio-gas. Methane gas is the main constituent of biogas.

The process of bio-gas production is anaerobic in nature and takes place in two stages.

• In the acid formation stage , the bio-degradable complex organic compounds present in the waste materials are acted upon by a group of acid forming bacteria present in the dung. Since the organic acids are the main products in this stage, it is known as acid forming stage.
• In the second stage , groups of methanogenic bacteria act upon the organic acids to produce methane gas.

Although, cattle dung has been recognized as the chief raw material for bio-gas plants, other materials like night-soil, poultry litter and agricultural wastes can also be used.

• It is a eco-friendly fuel.
• The required raw materials for biogas production are available abundantly in villages.
• It not only produces biogas, but also gives us nutrient rich slurry that can be used for crop production.
• It helps to keep the environment clean, as there would be no open heap of dung or other waste materials that attract flies, insects and infections
• Availability of biogas would reduce the use of firewood and hence trees could be saved.

• Mixing tank - The feed material (dung) is collected in the mixing tank. Sufficient water is added and the material is thoroughly mixed till a homogeneous slurry is formed.
• Inlet pipe - The substrate is discharged into the digester through the inlet pipe/tank.
• Digester - The slurry is fermented inside the digester and biogas is produced through bacterial action.
• Gas holder or gas storage dome - The biogas gets collected in the gas holder, which holds the gas until the time of consumption.
• Outlet pipe - The digested slurry is discharged into the outlet tank either through the outlet pipe or the opening provided in the digester.
• Gas pipeline - The gas pipeline carries the gas to the point of utilization, such as a stove or lamp.