Biomass as an Alternative for Gas Production

Abstract

Natural gas comes from the decomposition of organic material under anaerobic conditions in a process that occurred around 150 million years ago, which allows the gas trapping between rock pore spaces (porous system). Even though natural gas has become one of the most used fuels around the world, there are other spontaneous, continuous, ongoing, or inducing processes that can produce a similar gas in a short time (considering human scale); we refer to biogas. The aim of this chapter is to describe the biomass potential from organic residues for biogas production. The first part explains the biomass as an energy source, a comparison between natural gas reserves and sources of biogas with a global perspective of their energy contribution. The main biomass conversion technologies followed by case studies are shown in the second part. Finally, the biomethanization process is covered as a promising way to valorize some biomass residues into natural gas. Information about where and how the biogas can be contained, controlled, and distributed is provided. This chapter focuses in considering biogas as an alternative in the fuel demand with the advantage of coming from a renewable source, providing electricity, heat, or transport, and the generation of by-products.

Influence of Catalyst on the Yield and Quality of Bio-Oil for the Catalytic Pyrolysis of Biomass: A Comprehensive Review

“…As a possible source of renewable energy, biomass-also known as a feedstock or solid biofuel-can reduce greenhouse gas emissions more than fossil fuels. If these biomass materials are not adequately handled, transported, or disposed of, they will pose an environmental threat by producing greenhouse gases [31,32]. Hemicellulose, which makes up 20-40% of the biomass, is followed by cellulose, which makes up 40-60% of the biomass, and lignin, which makes up 10-25% of the biomass [33,34].…”

Monitoring the Process of Anaerobic Digestion of Native and Microwave Pre-Treated Sludge by Dielectric and Rheological Measurements

“…Biological utilization methods, such as composting or anaerobic digestion (AD), represent promising alternatives to reduce the organic matter content of wastewater sludge and have long been in the line of sight of scientific research. In contrast to composting, anaerobic digestion or fermentation can be used for energetic purposes as well; the biogas or biomethane produced during AD is a promising and environmentally friendly energy source alternative to natural gas [4].…”