Optimization of Biogas Production from Manure

In this study, the bioconversion of manure and silage to biogas by an anaerobic digestion process in batch reactors was studied. Biogas is a valuable alternative energy source, mainly in rural areas. The main aim for the environment is to use biogas as a fuel instead of crude oil or natural gas. In this study, two different parameters were studied to observe the changes in methane productivity. The first three reactors were shaken once per week and the following three reactors were shaken 5 times per week. The results showed that mixing has no major effect on the methane production yield. In the second six reactors a mixture of 1% and 3% silage was added and the results were recorded. When the data from the reactors with just manure was compared to the reactors with 1% and 3% silage, it was seen that the silage increased the production rate and total gas produced. The process stabilization took a long time for digestion with the 3% silage possibly caused by release of too much fatty acids