Research of Biogas and its Negative Effects

This project focused on the use of biogas in generators and the effects it has on the generators. To make biogas, unprocessed cow manure, which is a renewable resource, is collected in a receiving pit. From there, it is sent through many different separators and strainers. Then it is sent into a digester where it is mixed and heated to about 100 degrees F. Next, the bacteria convert the volatile fatty acids produced in the heating and mixing stage into a biogas, which primarily consists of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (C02). The gases are collected and used for fuel to run three generators. The electricity that is produced is then sold to the local power company and used to power the farm. Another gas produced from this process is hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The gas is corrosive. If concentrations of this gas are too high, components in the engine will begin to deteriorate. This shortens the life of the engine and significantly raises maintenance costs. There are a few technologies to lower hydrogen sulfide in the biogas before it is sent into the engine. Two hydrogen sulfide filtration methods were investigated, a bio filter and a bio scrubber. These solutions were researched and a cost/benefit economic analysis between the bio filter, bio scrubber and no treatment was created. This was done to prove which option is the most economical for the life of one generator