The Analysis of a Prototype Installation for Biogas Production from Chosen Agricultural Substrates

Abstract

Methane production by fermentation is a complex biochemical process, in which micromolecular organic substances are broken down by anaerobic bacteria into simple stabilized chemicals—mainly methane CH4 and carbon dioxide CO2. The organic matter of the slurry consists mainly of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. As a result of biochemical changes in the process of anaerobic decomposition, some of this matter is mineralized to simple chemical compounds. Cattle and pig husbandry offers enormous potential for useable biogas plant substrates. As a result of the constantly increasing amounts of animal husbandry products, and increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements aimed at reusing natural fertilizers, it is necessary to look for alternative processing methods. The need for efficiency in obtaining biogas from substrates (e.g., manure) was met by the laboratory stand presented in this article, for which the Polish patent No. 232200 was obtained. The new technology also allows leaching of the organic liquid, e.g., from manure, and subjecting it to methane fermentation. The solution allows the individual elements of the technological line that determine the fermentation process to be tested under laboratory conditions. It also allows testing of the substrates in terms of fermentation, to determine their physical and chemical characteristics, and then to characterize the fermentation process in terms of the quality and quantity of the resulting biogas and the quality of post-fermentation residues. Compressing biogas for local distribution was also proposed. As part of the research, using a laboratory stand, the organic matter was leached from manure, for the purpose of biogas production. In addition, the biogas yield from manure at varying degrees of maturity was assessed. The best properties in terms of biogas yield forecasting were demonstrated by manure composted for 4–8 weeks.

Modeling of Diesel Engine Fuel Systems Reliability When Operating on Biofuels

“…The reliability of the unit depends on the reliability of each of the subsystems as well as on the use of various types of fuel (finely dispersed [36][37][38]), in particular, biofuel and the adaptation of the fuel system to it. These subsystems can be both in good and faulty condition.…”

“…• the use of additives that reduce the activity of fuel methanols [38]; • reduced wear of precision pairs of the fuel system [39]; and • periodic flushing of the fuel system [40,41].…”

Comparison of Mechanized and Automated Technologies in the Scope of Cumulative Energy in Sustainable Milk Production

“…The development of modern livestock breeding technologies should be associated with the rational storage and management of fertilizer through methane fermentation, allowing for the production of energy in the form of biogas [6,7] or other resources [8,9].…”

Analysis of the Effect of Fe2O3 Addition in the Combustion of a Wood-Based Fuel

“…Wet biomass is mainly organic materials with such a high water content that they are unsuitable for direct combustion. However, they may be converted into gaseous fuel in biogas plants [ 3 ]. Dry biomass wastes are most frequently pelleted or briquetted to stabilise their physical parameters.…”