The decomposition of waste produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, which is released into the atmosphere. However, this gas can be captured and used to create biogas and biomethane, both of which are renewable energy sources. By optimizing the production of these gases from landfill waste, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change. In this article, we look at how to control and optimize biogas production.
Biogas is produced when micro-organisms break down biodegradable matter in the absence of oxygen. This process is called anaerobic digestion. Biogas is mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide. When organic waste decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. It traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change.
The good news is that we can control methane emissions from landfills. By capturing methane and using it as an energy source, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help slow climate change.
Biogas is generally composed of 60-70% methane, 30-40% carbon dioxide and traces of other gases such as water vapor, oxygen and nitrogen.
The exact composition varies according to the type of waste that decomposed to create the biogas in the first place.
Methane, the main component of natural gas, is a powerful greenhouse gas. In fact, it is around 30 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. That's whyit's so important to control methane emissions from landfills.
There are two main ways to control methane emissions from landfills:
When methane is collected and used as a fuel, it is called biogas.
The most common use for biogas is as a fuel. In many parts of the world, it is used to heat homes and power vehicles. Biomethane is a form of natural gas that can be used in place of traditional propane or other fossil fuels. It is produced by the decomposition of organic matter, such as food waste or sewage, and is a renewable resource.
Biogas can also be used to generate electricity. In fact, it's one of the most efficient ways of generating electricity from organic matter. When burned in a power plant, biogas releases heat that can be used to produce steam, which in turn drives a turbine and generates electricity.
The most important factor in determining the value of biogas is its methane content. Methane has a high energy density and is the main component of natural gas. The higher the methane content, the higher the value of the biogas.
There are two ways to increase methane content
The first method is simply to increase the amount of waste landfilled. This will provide more food for the bacteria and lead to increased methane production.
However, this method is not very effective and can even lead to a decrease in methane concentrations if the landfill is not properly managed.
The second method is to increase the efficiency of the digestion process. This can be achieved by controlling the temperature and pH of the landfill, as well as the amount of oxygen present.
In this way, it is possible to encourage the growth of methane-producing bacteria while inhibiting the growth of other bacteria. The result is a higher methane content in the biogas.
Both methods can be used to increase the value of biogas, but the second method is more effective.
If you're looking to produce more methane from your landfill, it's important to control the conditions under which it's produced and its final composition.
Expressed in this way, the process of converting biogas into energy may seem simple, but it's far more complex in terms of the technologies involved.
The gas market is evolving rapidly, and demands a precise, robust, reliable and automatic industrial process.
Fuji Electric has developed an industrial, reliable, accurate and robust ZPAF 19" rack-mounted analyser and a ZPSB turnkey solution system in the form of a cabinet or field shelter to monitor biogas composition in the face of these extremely demanding requirements in terms of both metrology and corrosion resistance.
ApplicationDownload your application sheet and opt for controlled, high-performance biogas production!
