BIOGAS

By Siobhan, Fergus and Beth

WHAT IS BIOGAS?

Biogas is the gases produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter.

Biogas is: ~50-80% methane ~20-50% carbon dioxide.

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM

Biogas develops in a completely natural process that takes place anywhere that organic waste is produced.

During the process, the waste is broken down by microorganisms, resulting in a nutritious, energy rich final product.

HOW IS BIOGAS PRODUCED FROM SEWAGE Biogas is a flammable gas mixture

produced during anaerobic digestion in organic matter that is in the sewage treatment.

Biogas systems use bacteria to break down wet organic matter like animal waste, human sewage or food waste.

This produces biogas, which is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, and also has a semi-solid consistency .

The biogas is used as a fuel for cooking, lighting or generating electricity.

Using biogas can save the labour of gathering and using wood for cooking, minimise harmful smoke in homes, and cut deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Biogas plants can also improve sanitation, and the residue is useful as a fertiliser.

The amount of each gas in the mixture depends on many factors such as the type of digester and the kind of organic matter.

No matter what this mixture is basically made of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), and its heating value is directly linked to the methane content.