Philippine E-Journals

Analysis of Biogas Production from Cow, Chicken and Swine Manure

Edward Peter F. Rollo | Leonel L. Pabilona | Antonio-Abdu Sami M. Magomnang | Eliseo P. Villanueva | Dianne Mae M. Magomnang

 

Abstract:

Biogas is a valuable renewable energy carrier. It can be exploited directly as a fuel for internal combustion engines. Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the main constituents, but biogas also contains significant quantities of undesirable contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The existence and quantities of these contaminants depend on the biogas source. Their presence constitutes a major problem because of corrosion, erosion, fouling, and can generate harmful environmental emissions. The main objective of the present experimental investigation was to evaluate the biogas produced from different animal manure (chicken, cow, and swine) at same technical settings on the anaerobic digestion process. As a possible means to improve the biogas production, as well as reduce their pollution potential, the idea of using the iron sponge (steel wool) for the removal of hydrogen sulfide and water scrubbing for the removal of carbon dioxide, while operating the reactor at maximum retention period has been applied. Purification of the biogas produced was done using H2S adsorption and CO2 absorption; thus, improving its use as fuel for power generation. The results showed that among the (3) three manure studied, swine manure produces the highest total production of biogas with the rate at 1.30561 ft3. In the hydrogen sulfide removal, chicken manure yielded the highest impurities that range from 102-132 ppm. After purification, the concentration became 1 ppm. Thus, the hydrogen sulfide purification is effective. The carbon dioxide concentration in this study found out that the chicken manure produces more CO2 at 9.99% volume. After the purification process, the reading ranges from 0.14 % to 0.08 % volume. In this study, chicken manure contained more impurities than swine and cow manure.