Bovine Waste Methane Science Fair
Introduction: Dependence of Methane Production on Ambient Temperature in Bovine Waste The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of temperature in bovine waste on the amount of methane evolved. The hypothesis stated that the bovine waste heated to 48.9oC would produce the most methane. The manipulated variable in the experiment was the temperature of bovine waste. The responding variable was the amount of methane evolved from the waste. The experiment can be applied to real world applications by assisting anaerobic digestion plants in optimizing their production of biogas.
Why can Producing Biogas from Bovine Waste be Useful?
Biogas or bio-methane can be used as an alternative source of energy produced through oxygen free (anaerobic) digestion of organic matter in which organic material is processed into a liquid effluent and combustible biogas rich in methane. Generally, biogas contains 55% – 80% methane and 20% - 45% carbon dioxide (CO2). Reliant on the source of organic material and the managing of a anaerobic digestion system, small amount of other gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), and water vapor (H2O) may be created. Specifically, the methane component of the biogas will be fit for producing energy. (1) The methane can be utilized to produce heat, electricity, or both. For example, the methane can be used in in a gas engine to produce electricity, heat the digester, or burned in a conventional gas boiler to produce heat for a nearby apartment complex. (3)
Process of Anaerobic Digestion
The four types of anaerobic digester technologies currently being used by the US Livestock operation include: fixed-film, plug flow, complete mix, and covered lagoon. (1)
Table 1- Summary characteristics of digester technologies. (9)
As seen in Table 1 there are different vessels used in digestion for different quantities of volatile solids. Volatile solids are organic matter which can be converted into biogas. The different
Why can Producing Biogas from Bovine Waste be Useful?
Biogas or bio-methane can be used as an alternative source of energy produced through oxygen free (anaerobic) digestion of organic matter in which organic material is processed into a liquid effluent and combustible biogas rich in methane. Generally, biogas contains 55% – 80% methane and 20% - 45% carbon dioxide (CO2). Reliant on the source of organic material and the managing of a anaerobic digestion system, small amount of other gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), and water vapor (H2O) may be created. Specifically, the methane component of the biogas will be fit for producing energy. (1) The methane can be utilized to produce heat, electricity, or both. For example, the methane can be used in in a gas engine to produce electricity, heat the digester, or burned in a conventional gas boiler to produce heat for a nearby apartment complex. (3)
Process of Anaerobic Digestion
The four types of anaerobic digester technologies currently being used by the US Livestock operation include: fixed-film, plug flow, complete mix, and covered lagoon. (1)
Table 1- Summary characteristics of digester technologies. (9)
As seen in Table 1 there are different vessels used in digestion for different quantities of volatile solids. Volatile solids are organic matter which can be converted into biogas. The different
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