DIY Projects DIY Biogas Plant, Anaerobic Digester Experiment


Thursday, 19 January 2012 15:00

DIY Biogas Plant, Anaerobic Digester Experiment Featured

Rate this item
(17 votes)
Habbab Idrees, Sana, and HasanBiogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) Experiment Habbab Idrees, Sana, and HasanBiogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) Experiment Pakistan Science Club

Concept

The purpose of this project is to discover ways to produce Biogas with alternate sources by using our local resources this project can help students to basics of Anaerobic digestion and production of bio-gas by different organic wastage, basic task is to design, fabricate, and test a simple waste digester and gas collection system.With this system you can examine various facets of the anaerobic digestion process.

Background Information

What is biogas? Biogas, known as a sour ce of renewable energy, is made mostly of methane. (60-70%) Biogas, as known by many scientific as sociations and universities, is made from a mixture of CH4 (metha ne), CO2 (carbon dioxide), H2S (hydrogen sulfide), NH3 (ammonia), and SO2( sulfur dioxide). This gas is formed when biological matter (usually cow manure), is decomposed in an environment with no oxygen present by bacteria.

Biogas has been popular as a source of energy for over 200 years In order to create In orde r to produce biogas, the individual has to first build an anaerobic (no oxygen present) digester, or an enclosed tank (usually made of steel), where specific types of organic wastes are placed in order for bacteria to decompose them. In the environment, biogas is produced  naturally in deep soils, lake bottoms, and wetlands.

Safety caution ! Since biogas is made mostly of methane, it is highly explosive, and dangerous. There should be no flames or  electrical items around the digester. Some elements and molecules present in biogas can cause suffocation. The digester should be placed in a well-ventilated area. After handli ng the digester or any organic matter, that person should ALWAYS wash his/her hand thoroughly with plenty of soap and water.

Carbon dioxide will asphyxiate  a person if he/she breathes it. Gas produced by rotten egg (H2S) will destroy the lungs and other tissues that serve in smelling.  In order to make an anaerobic digester , biomass is needed. For example, cow manure, grass clipping with soil or any other waste, as long as you use cow manure as a starter, can be used to produce biogas. A digester needs some conditions in order to work properly. For example, there should be a water-biomass ratio of 1 to 5. The pH of this mixture should always remain around 7. An acid or base level will kill the bacteria that causes this gas. A temperature of 0°C to 69°C, although there is a higher production between 29°C and 60°C. Production will be at its peak when it reaches 35°C. The biogas generator should be “fed” daily  a small amount of biomass in order to have enough fresh bacteria to produce large quantities of biogas. After this step, the digester should be agitates (shaken if it is a small bottle) in order to mix the biomass with the water. The recommended time for a home-made project is  a minimum of 2 weeks, when 1/3 of all the biogas production will be made.

When using manure from any animal remember: NO ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE ANIMAL!!

 



WHAT MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT CAN WE USE?

Your digester may be made up of only the following materials:

  • Digester seed material
  • Digester feed stock
  • 20 liter water can
  • 1/4" plastic tubing -  possible use in gas collection system
  • Medium size Tyre tube for gas storage
  • Tub for mixing water feed stock
  • PVC Pipe 3/4" 2.5 ft
  • T-valve
  • Valve
  • Super glue
  • Fine Sand
  • Soldering Iron
  • Black Color Paint

 

 

biogas digester diagram

Download Biogas Digester Diagram


Procedures:

Bio gas plant is a digester and it involves the production of highly combustible methane gas, while constructing a prototype, following prescriptions must be followed.

  • The container that we are using must be air tight, as we know that it’s a digester, that digests the biological waste an aerobically (strictly in the absence of air).
  • Transparent or translucent containers are not to be used for this purpose;if it is transparent it must be painted black because it keeps the temperature steady, if sunlight passes through the container it shall encourage the growth of algae. That is quiet lethal for the production of biogas.
  • Keeping in view that its highly inflammable gas, standard gas fittings must be used in this project. (i.e gas pipes, gas nasals)
  • Animal manure must be used as per containers dimensions, (i.e. in case of 20 l container 18 or 17 l of mixture in ratios of 50% dung and 50%water is prescribed)
  • For the first time. Animal dung must be used later on any biological waste that may include plants waste; dried dung, dried leaves or even paper can be used. But keeping in view that must be mixed in ratio of 50% with water and shaken well.

FEEDING IN THE DIGESTER

  • While feeding in the digester, outlet must stay open so that slurry (digested mixture of dung and water) comes out of outlet.
  • The first production of biogas bring up slowly, so be patient, it may take as long as one complete week to produce gas.
  • Daily one liter of fresh properly mixed biological waste and water in 50% ratio shall be fed in the digester to keep the digester in good working condition.
  • The cheaper, affective and the safer method to store biogas is old tire tube. (i.e. bicycle tire tube or car tire tube as per the dimension of digester)

PRECAUTIONS

  • Avoid the biogas digester from getting in direct contact with sunlight.
  • Avoid it from high temperature variations (Neither too hot, nor too cold )
  • It must not go out of 30C – 40C temperature variations.
  • All safety precautions must be used while testing the biogas, the valve must be faced away while testing the biogas.
  • If results are not found after one week of feeding in biogas digester. Check the pipes for dung or water blockage.

 

Note:Page still updating


Video: Mini Biogas Plant (Anaerobic Digester) Construction Part 1/3


  • Dung from the animals who are being or were injected antibiotics recently for any reasons are highly discourages.
  • Video: Mini Biogas Plant (Anaerobic Digester) Construction Part 2/3



    Video: Mini Biogas Plant (Anaerobic Digester) Testing Part 3/3


     

    Sponsor

    Discussions about Mini Biogas Plant Science Fair Project Help

    http://paksc.org/pk/images/stories/forum-logo-2.jpg

     

    Photos of Biogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) in action

    Biogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) in action
    Biogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) in action
    Habab idrees with Biogas plant (Anaerobic Digester)
    Biogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) in action
    Biogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) in action
    Biogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) in action

    Biogas plant (Anaerobic Digester) in action

     

    11BUILDING UP A PROTOTYPE BIOGAS PLANT
    Bio gas plant is a digester and it involves the production of highly combustible methane gas, while constructing a prototype, following prescriptions must be followed.
    •    The container that we are using must be air tight, as we know that it’s a digester, that digests the biological waste an aerobically (strictly in the absence of air).
    •    Transparent or translucent containers are not to be used for this purpose; it must be painted black because it keeps the temperature steady, if sunlight passes through the container it shall encourage the growth of algae. That is quiet lethal for the production of biogas.
    •    Keeping in view that its highly inflammable gas, standard gas fittings must be used in this project. (i.e gas pipes, gas nasals)
    •    Animal manure must be used as per containers dimensions, (i.e. in case of 20 l container 18 or 17 l of mixture in ratios of 50% dung and 50%water is prescribed)
    •    For the first time. Animal dung must be used later on any biological waste that may include plants waste; dried dung, dried leaves or even paper can be used. But keeping in view that must be mixed in ratio of 50% with water and shaken well.
    FEEDING IN THE DIGESTER
    •    While feeding in the digester, outlet must stay open so that slurry (digested mixture of dung and water) comes out of outlet.
    •    The first production of biogas bring up slowly, so be patient, it may take as long as one complete week to produce gas.
    •    Daily one liter of fresh properly mixed biological waste and water in 50% ratio shall be fed in the digester to keep the digester in good working condition.
    ¬
    •    The cheaper, affective and the safer method to store biogas is old tire tube. (i.e. bicycle tire tube or car tire tube as per the dimension of digester)
    PRECAUTIONS
    •    Avoid the biogas digester from getting in direct contact with sunlight.
    •    Avoid it from high temperature variations (Neither too hot, nor too cold )
    •    It must not go out of 30C – 40C temperature variations.
    •    All safety precautions must be used while testing the biogas, the valve must be faced away while testing the biogas.
    •    If results are not found after one week of feeding in biogas digester. Check the pipes for dung or water blockage.
    •    Dung from the animals who are being or were injected antibiotics recently for any reasons are highly discourages.

    Related key

    • Science fair biogas
    • Anaerobic digester experiment
    • DIY biogas plant
    • DIY biomethane
    • DIY Bioreactor
    • Bioreactor experiment
    • Biofuel & Biomass Energy Science Fair Projects & Experiments
    • anaerobic digester design
    • home anaerobic digester
    • make anaerobic digester
    • anaerobic digester system patent
    • anaerobic digester definition
    • article anaerobic culture
    • methane digester companies
    • anerobic digesters
    • biogas in urdu
    Read 7315 times

    Leave a comment

    Make sure you enter the (*) required information where indicated.
    Basic HTML code is allowed.

    13 comments

    • Comment Link Sunday, 15 April 2012 17:14 posted by Darmore

      This is very interesting. I am about to work on it,but i didn't understand the issue of the old tube.
      I would be very grateful if i am fed back.

    • Comment Link Tuesday, 03 April 2012 08:01 posted by max clamor

      very nice experiment and interesting for all.

    • Comment Link Wednesday, 29 February 2012 15:56 posted by Sana Mehmood

      Dear Gene thanks you for your attention to safety matters we have idea about the risk of that project , we also mentions it Safety caution in that article.
      regards
      Sana Mehmood

    • Comment Link Friday, 10 February 2012 04:27 posted by gene

      methane gas is odorless,colourless how can you assure the safety of people using this kind of gas without asking yourself first what should i do if i have a leaking pipe gas without knowing it because its odourless , colorless and flammable type of gas.your design of simple biogas set up is a good project but not safe for others to try especially for students like your age. although the main focus of your project is using alternative energy you must also consider the safety of others by emphasizing "how can i use this technology with out harming me and others".whats good with new technology if using it might cause more harm than good.anyway your project is good as for now but dont be discouraged or angry by my comments its just im trying to suggest that you must push forward to make your project not just as a project but a very good one.

    • Comment Link Wednesday, 08 February 2012 05:43 posted by hamayon baig

      after watching this video i feel that Pakistan is great.

    • Comment Link Wednesday, 08 February 2012 00:49 posted by Stefan Hartmann

      Why do you have 2 pipes in the digester ?
      What is the horizontal pipe for ??

      Just to exit the used up slurry ?

      Many thanks.
      Great project !

      Regards, Stefan.
      overunity.com

    • Comment Link Sunday, 05 February 2012 22:13 posted by MOhammad zada

      This is good and great project, but I want to know that above project are just a sample or we can use it for home need and if it is not sample so how much gas (for how long time we can use) this production

    • Comment Link Sunday, 05 February 2012 17:36 posted by SANA MAHMOOD

      SIR, NICE WORK...
      PAF CHAPTER KI VIDEOS UPLOAD KRDN TO BTA DIJYE GA....
      GOOD FEED BACK U HAVE..

    • Comment Link Saturday, 04 February 2012 13:46 posted by Mohammed Benzaghi

      This is very nice... I want to use this as my project work. Please can you give me a detailed video or instruction about how to construct the digester for my project work?

    • Comment Link Wednesday, 01 February 2012 16:47 posted by MUBASHSHIR

      THIS IS YOUR VERY NICE PROJECT, BECAUSE THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE AND A SAFE METHOD TO PRODUCE GAS. I ALSO WANT TO MAKE MORE FANTASTIC PROJECTS AS SUCH KIND. .

    • Comment Link Tuesday, 31 January 2012 07:50 posted by Latif Farooqi

      This is an easy & safe way to help reduce the energy crisis in Developing countries, additionally it also stops the cutting of trees, to be used a fuel. Well done for such helpful information.

    • Comment Link Friday, 27 January 2012 14:23 posted by Suleman Shafqat

      Great work buddies
      This is how we can make it up
      Slowly slowly stair by stair we can make up our country high
      Be motivated guys
      Youngsters ROCK ;-)

    • Comment Link Thursday, 26 January 2012 17:45 posted by Demahom seena

      Dears,

      We are an International students, well we went through your project, we really appreciate about it, although we need your explanation regarding these raw materials. Please give as an explanation how to mix raw materials and how it should be. can we add dried wastage from animals as well as plants.

      We need your further assistance, We are look forward to hearing from you.

      Students.

    PAKISTAN SCIENCE CLUB PROJECTS

    • Small scale kitchen waste biogas plant
      Small scale kitchen waste biogas plant Small scale kitchen waste bio gas plant (Upcoming) Currently, In Pakistan there is a very messy situation of gas supply. Pakistan science club is continuously putting its all possible effort to get rid of this problem and providing comfort to the life of our people. Pakistan Science Club has formed…
    • Wireless EC Under Water Explorer
      Wireless EC Under Water Explorer Electrochemical underwater explore (got first position in all Pakistan GIKI science fair) Pakistan's first 'Wireless EC Under-Water Explorer' made by PSC 'student coordinator' M.Ammar and member Nasik Zia. Under the supervision of CEO PSC Abdul Rauf. This underwater explorer (submarine) is designed for the study of underwater world. It has…
    • Bio-Sand Water Filter 2010
      Bio-Sand Water Filter 2010 Filtering water is done by very huge plant. But Pakistan Science club has innovated Bio-sand water Filter which helps to filter and clean water by several impurities. PSC is making this project cheaper than others. It overall cost is around R.s 500. Bio-Sand Filters remove 95.0 to 99.0% of organic…
    • Parabolic Solar cooker
      Parabolic Solar cooker Parabolic Solar cooker Construction-2011 Although these types of solar cookers can cook as well as a conventional oven, they are difficult to construct. Parabolic cookers reach high temperatures and cook quickly, but require frequent adjustment and supervision for safe operation. Several hundred thousand exist, mainly in China. They are especially…
    • First Pakistani Hovercraft made by PSC
      First Pakistani Hovercraft made by PSC First Pakistani Hovercraft made by PSC And sponsored by Sarfaraz pilot higher secondary school students  

    In Your Language



    We have 60 guests online

    Subscribe

    Banner

    Latest Comments

    Members Login

    DIY - PROJECT

    • DIY Homemade Motorized CCTV Camera
      DIY Homemade Motorized CCTV Camera DIY Homemade Motorized CCTV Camera Simple fixed CCTV Camera converted in to movable, The idea was Ch nabeel and presented by Habbab Idress.. CONCEPT: CCTv Camera normal visual range is limited, large area need more camera to cover. Motorized camera is also available in Market but its to expansive. In this Project we make Homemade Motorized CCTV Camera by simple…
    • How to make Power Inverters 12 VDC to 220 VAC UPS
      How to make Power Inverters 12 VDC to 220 VAC UPS Easy Homemade 50 watt Power Inverters (12 VDC to 220 VAC) UPS   Power inverter (UPS) is a very useful device which can convert Low voltage from a DC source to high voltage AC. The most common power inverter is 12V to 240V inverter. Perhaps that is because 12V batteries are common. This type of power inverter usually draws current…
    DIY Projects

    http://paksc.org/pk/images/stories/forum-logo-2.jpg

    Pakistan first Science and Technology Blog watch us on youtube