Biogas is a usable gas formed as a result of the conversion of organic wastes into carbon dioxide and methane gas in an oxygen-free environment. Animal wastes, vegetable wastes, food residues, sewage sludge, energy wastes and industrial wastes can be used for production because biogas production is based on its decomposition into organic substances.

 We can examine biogas production in 6 steps:

• Selection of Raw Material

• Preparation and Mixing

• Fermentation (Putrefaction)

• Methane Production

• Capture and Storage of Gas

• Cleaning and Use

1. Selection of Raw Material:

Biogas Potential: The biogas potential of the raw material means that it contains a high amount of organic matter and is suitable for the production of methane gas. The potential of biogas is the most important factor that you should consider when determining the raw material. For example, organic substances such as animal waste, vegetable waste, food scraps have a high biogas potential.

Available Resources: The raw materials used for biogas production are usually obtained from local sources Jul. Therefore, it is important to determine the potential raw materials available in the region where you plan to build a biogas plant. Local environmental and energy resources analysis can be performed to identify potential resources such as farms, restaurants, supermarkets, industrial facilities.

Suitability and Preparation: The selected raw material must be suitable for biogas production. The suitability of the raw material means that there is a sufficient amount of organic matter and nutrients in its content. In addition, the physical properties of the raw material are also important. For example, preparatory steps may be required, such as grinding vegetable waste or mixing farm waste.

Seasonal Changes: Some raw materials, such as vegetable waste, may be available seasonally. Therefore, it is important to take into account seasonal changes when choosing raw materials for biogas production. By planning in accordance with seasonal changes, you can ensure a continuous biogas production throughout the year.

Accessibility and Transportation Costs: The accessibility of raw materials and transportation costs are factors that you should take into account when choosing raw materials for biogas production. Additional costs or logistical difficulties may arise for October transportation of raw materials to your facility. Therefore, it can often be more economical to give preference to raw materials that are locally available and have low transportation costs.

2. Preparation and Mixing:

Grinding of Raw Material: The raw material may need to be of the appropriate size and ground to ensure faster decay. For example, raw materials such as vegetable waste or straw can be ground into smaller pieces. In the same way, farm waste or food scraps should also be brought to the appropriate size.

Mixture Preparation: It is important to create a homogeneous mixture by combining the different raw materials to be used for biogas production Decoction. Mixing of raw materials ensures a more balanced distribution of nutrients and improves the efficiency of biogas. At this stage, a mixing tank or system may be needed.

Adjustment of Water Content: Water content is important in the process of biogas production. It is necessary to add a sufficient amount of water to the mixture, because microorganisms need water to function correctly and decompose organic matter. The water content is adjusted depending on the type and characteristics of the raw material.

pH Setting: The ideal pH level for biogas production should be between 6.5 and 7.5.Dec. The pH level in the mixture affects the activity of microorganisms. When the pH level is not suitable, the efficiency of microorganisms may decrease. Therefore, acidity or alkalinity regulators can be used to adjust the pH level.

Nutrient Supplementation: Nutrients necessary for the production of biogas can be supplemented into the mixture. Especially in cases where a single raw material is used, such as vegetable waste, nutrient deficiency may occur. In this case, microorganisms are ensured to function effectively by adding nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.

3. Fermentation:

Fermentation Tank: The raw materials are placed in a fermentation tank or biogas reactor where anaerobic fermentation will take place. These tanks must have an airtight structure because the fermentation process must take place in an oxygen-free environment.

Addition of Microorganisms: Appropriate microorganisms are added to the fermentation tank. These microorganisms are anaerobic bacteria that are necessary for the production of methane gas. Methane-producing bacteria produce methane gas during the decay of organic matter.

Decay Process: The fermentation process begins with the action of microorganisms. The decay of organic substances takes place, and methane, carbon dioxide and other gases are released. In this process, methane gas is formed as a result of the metabolism of methane-producing bacteria. Carbon dioxide occurs when organic matter decays completely.

Heat and Pressure Control: The fermentation tank is controlled to ensure optimal temperature and pressure conditions. Appropriate temperature and pressure levels are important for microorganisms to work with the best efficiency. These parameters affect the efficiency in the biogas production process.

Mixing: Mixing is done periodically to ensure that the mixture in the fermentation tank is homogeneous and the microorganisms are evenly distributed. This ensures that the nutrients reach the microorganisms evenly and improves the production of biogas.

Hydrogen Sulfide Control: Hydrogen sulfide gas may form during the fermentation process. This gas can cause a bad smell and lead to problems with the use of biogas. Therefore, appropriate measures are taken, if necessary, to keep hydrogen sulfide under control

4. Methane Production:

Decomposition of Organic Matter: During the fermentation stage, organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms. Microorganisms break down organic substances and turn them into simpler components. In the process of this decay, the components of organic substances such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins are broken down. 

Activity of Methane-Producing Bacteria: With the decay of organic matter, methane-producing bacteria become active. These bacteria live in an anaerobic environment and secrete enzymes necessary for the production of methane gas. These enzymes obtain energy by converting organic components into methane.

Methane Gas Formation: Methane-producing bacteria produce methane gas from hydrocarbons that occur during the breakdown of organic matter. During this reaction, enzymes secreted by bacteria catalyze the formation of methane gas. Methane gas accumulates in the fermentation tank and becomes the main component of biogas.

Carbon Dioxide Formation: Carbon dioxide gas is also released in the process of methane gas production. Carbon dioxide is a by-product of the components that occur when organic matter decays. In addition to methane gas, carbon dioxide gas is also present in the composition of biogas.

Other Gases: In addition to methane and carbon dioxide gas, other gases can also be found in biogas, albeit in small amounts. Among these gases, components such as nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen can be included. Decongestants. The amounts of these gases may vary depending on the characteristics of the raw material used and the fermentation process.

5. Capture and Storage of Gas:

Gas Collection: The produced biogas is collected from the fermentation tank or biogas reactor. At this stage, it is important to collect the gas safely and prevent leaks. Gas collection systems are designed to ensure the safe and effective collection of biogas. There is a gas outlet on the tank to prevent the accumulation of gas.

Gas Purification: The biogas produced may contain various pollutants and non-flammable gases. Therefore, it is necessary to purify the gas. The purification process involves the removal of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, moisture and other pollutants in the gas. The purification process improves the quality of the gas, allowing a purer biogas to be obtained.

Dehumidification: The moisture contained in the produced biogas can affect the quality of the gas and lead to problems during use. Therefore, it is important to remove moisture. Cooling and drying processes are usually used for moisture removal. These processes remove the water vapor in the gas, allowing a drier biogas to be obtained.

Storage of Gas: Storage of purified biogas is necessary, because the production and use periods can often be at different times. Storage tanks or facilities ensure the safe and efficient storage of biogas. Storage tanks are usually a closed system made of metal or concrete, and pressure control and safety of the gas are ensured.

Utilization or Energy Production: Stored biogas can be used for energy production. Equipment such as gas engines, gas turbines or biogas combustion systems enable the conversion of biogas into energy. Biogas can be used for electricity and heat generation, or it can also be used as vehicle fuel. In this way, the biogas energy cycle is completed and it is considered as a sustainable energy source.

6. Cleaning and Use:

Gas Cleaning: Purified biogas may still contain unwanted components in it. Therefore, it is necessary to further clean the gas. The gas cleaning process is carried out using various tools and methods. In this process, the small amount of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, water vapor and other pollutants remaining from the gas are removed. By increasing the quality of the gas, it is made purer and suitable for energy production.

Gas Compression: The cleaned biogas is usually compressed using compressors to increase the gas pressure. Increasing the pressure of the gas increases the storage capacity and allows it to be used more efficiently. The compression process allows the gas to be stored and transported in a denser form.

Gas Power Generation: The cleaned and compressed biogas can be used for power generation. Equipment such as gas engines, gas turbines or combustion systems are used to convert biogas into electrical and thermal energy. Burning the gas or running it with gas engines converts the potential energy of the biogas into usable energy.

Alternative Fuel Usage: The cleaned biogas can be used as an alternative fuel instead of natural gas. Biogas can be used in homes, industrial facilities or areas where natural gas is used in the transportation sector. In this way, the reduction of the use of fossil fuels and the transition to sustainable energy sources are supported.

Other Uses: Biogas can also be used in different areas other than energy production. For example, biogas can be used for heating, cooking or providing hot water in homes. In addition, it can increase the fertility of the soil by using it as a fertilizer in agricultural applications.

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