Bio-gas Research
1.
Introduction
University of Burao has implemented the
experimental phase of Bio-gas project. The project was funded by ILO through
Somali forum and implemented by University of Burao
Biogas refers to the conversion of organic
waste materials to methane gas for use as an energy source in houses, kitchens,
(heat, or light), laboratories and hotels as well. This product is the result
of anaerobic digestion of organic materials in the absence of oxygen to produce
usable methane (CH4) gas and the resultant gas is called Biogas.
The model of producing gas in this system
has different names in the different Biogas producing countries, e.g. in India
they use the term Gobar gas; meaning cattle dung; in European countries they
use Bihugas which is an abbreviation of Biological humus and gas, but the most
familiar name in the world is Biogas.
This Biological digestion is not only
producing usable gas but also has many benefits, such as reduction or
elimination of bacterial pathogens through temperature, and production of
stable environmentally acceptable slurry that can be re-used as fertilizers and
soil conditioners.
The environmentally and economically
impact of Biogas production has the following benefits:
·
It is easy
and cheap to construct the model
·
Animal
manure is used which is available everywhere and is a health hazard when in
heaps
·
It is
economically cheaper than imported cooking gas
·
It saves
the trees and shrubs from being burnt for fuel, thus preventing the factors
that lead desertification
In general the gas produced in this system
consists of about 2/3 methane (CH4), 1/3 carbon dioxide (CO2), very little of
Hydrogen sulfide and Hydrogen. As we stated previously it is created by the
decomposition of animal manure and other forms of organic waste from fields,
animal enclosures and slaughter houses; and household organic refuse/waste. It
is then collected in an anaerobic tank (digester) where it can be heated and
gas collected.
The Biogas project started on the 16th of April 2013. University of Burao was appointed as the experimenting agency, while ILO was the funding agency and funds were channeled through Somali forum to the University of Burao . Once the Experiment was completed, the university has produced the methane gas (Biogas), tested it and is continuing to improve the quantity and quality of the gas.
Conclusion In conclusion Biogas is the Biological decomposition of organic material in anaerobic condition. University of Burao constructed a viable model of Biogas production with the help and sponsorship of ILO and Somali forum. The university conducted an experiment and achieved good results. Now the model is producing methane gas that is working and can be lit at any time.
Major Hotels in Burao, such as City Plaza, Cıgal Hotel and Golis are the direct benefactors of the project and are currently using Bıogas in their day to day cooking. In Phase II of this project, we expect to install Bıogas in households across the city of Burao.
|
