Biogas - Composition
Typical composition of biogas produced from household waste.
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.
