Biogas - Composition
Biogas can be produced from many organic resources. Typically by anaerobic (without oxygen) digestion with anaerobic bacteria or by fermentation of biodegradable materials such as
- crops
- manure
- sewage
- municipal waste
- green waste
- plant material
Typical composition of biogas produced from household waste:
| Substance | Weight (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | Range | |
| Ash | 25 | 15 - 40 |
| Carbon | 25 | 15 - 35 |
| Chlorine | 0.7 | 0.5 - 1.0 |
| Hydrogen | 3 | 2 - 5 |
| Nitrogen | 0.6 | 0.2 - 1.0 |
| Oxygen | 18 | 12 - 24 |
| Sulphur | 0.003 | 0.002 - 0.6 |
| Water | 20 | 15 - 35 |
The energy released by combustion the methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO) in the biogas can be used for any heating purpose. The energy can also be used in gas engines to produce electricity and compressed biogas can be used to power motor vehicles.
Related Topics
• Combustion
Combustion processes and their efficiency. Boiler house and chimney topics. Properties of fuels like oil, gas, coal and wood and more. Safety valves and tanks.
• Environment
Climate, meteorology, solar, wind, emissions and environmental related engineering resources.
Related Documents
Biogas - Carbon Nitrogen Ratios
Carbon - Nitrogen ratios for biogas produced from various raw materials.
Biogas - Energy Content
Energy content in biogas produced from municipal and industrial waste.
Biogas - Potential from Animal Manure
Potential biogas production from animal manure.
Combustion Heat
Heat of combustion (energy content) for som common substances - with examples how to calculate heat of combustion.
Fuel Gases - Heating Values
Combustion heat values for gases like acetylene, blast furnace gas, ethane, biogas and more - Gross and Net values.
Gases - Densities
Densities and molecular weights of common gases like acetylene, air, methane, nitrogen, oxygen and others.
Gases - Specific Gravities
Specific gravities of air, ammonia, butadiene, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and some other common gases.