#Biogas

[cognitivejustice]

Self-sufficient organic Finnish farm grows its own fuel and a greener future

An award-winning farm has teamed up with Helsinki University to create a symbiotic food production system that is self-sufficient in energy and nutrients. It’s a trailblazer in sustainable agriculture.

Photo above: Farmer Markus Eerola shows visitors the biogas plant that helps make his farm an energy producer rather than an energy consumer.Photo: Wif Stenger

Organic Knehtilä Farm provides its own nutrients and energy, thanks to careful long-term planning and a small onsite biogas plant operated by energy utility Nivos.

The biogas powers his tractor, pickup truck and cars, and is available to others at a commercial filling station on the edge of the farm, although vehicles that can use biogas are still relatively rare. It offers a valuable alternative to meet the growing need for affordable, clean domestic energy.

Demand for organic food continues to grow. “The price gap between organic and standard production is narrowing, partly because we don’t need fertiliser. Our farm has its own product line of oat and buckwheat products, which are produced here using a proven cultivation method known as agroecological symbiosis, where nutrients and energy are efficiently recycled.”

The sprawling 380-hectare farm’s carefully balanced circular economy has developed over a decade and a half, earning a WWF award in 2015 as a model of nature-friendly agriculture. In 2021, the Finnish Organic Association chose Knehtilä for the honour of Organic Business of the Year.

“Biogas production can convert farms from being energy consumers to energy producers, and play an important role in the transition away from fossil fuels. When it’s done in a smart way, it’s also possible to increase biodiversity in farming systems.”

Knehtilä forms part of the Global Network of Lighthouse Farms, a project led by Wageningen University in the Netherlands, involving commercially viable farms that offer “radical solutions to address sustainability challenges.” International visitors frequently come to Knehtilä to learn about unique system.

The rich, vibrant cycle of life at Knehtilä is visible in not only the lush fields, but also in the insects and frogs that frequent them, and in a few animals such as horses, sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits. The farm is also a lively event venue; a high-ceilinged, 80-year-old barn has been converted to a space for up to 100 people for weddings, theatre performances and concerts.

[animeandheroes]

Ben 10 Time

[konstruktivenachrichten]

Weg von Erdgas und Öl, hin zur nachhaltigen Produktion: Keine leichte Aufgabe vor allem für die Industrie mit ihrem hohen Energieverbrauch. In einer Pommes-Fabrik in Rain am Lech gibt es dafür eine außergewöhnliche Lösung: Biogas aus Pommes-Abwasser.

[solarpunkbusiness]

MyGug provides a technology that focuses on small food businesses that grow their own food, providing them with a food waste disposal system that turns waste into biogas energy for cooking that can be used in kitchens and gardens.

The egg-shaped MyGug units harness the power of a natural process called anaerobic digestion in which food waste is broken down to produce a natural gas suitable for cooking and liquid fertiliser for growing.

Headquartered in Clonakilty, Co Cork, MyGug was founded in 2021 by Fiona Kelleher and Kieran Coffey. The company works with the ambition to change the face of food waste. 

[biogaspurifier]

AtmosPower Biogas Upgrading Plant

AtmosPower is the most trusted company in sustainable energy solutions. We convert raw biogas into high-quality, renewable natural gas (RNG) with cutting-edge biogas upgrading systems specializing in sustainable energy; also provide efficient, eco-friendly solutions tailored to industries. Reduce carbon footprints and maximize energy potential. Inquire now!

[indianbiogas]

Biogas in Kerala: Purification, Enrichment, and Utilization

Kerala, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, has been at the forefront of renewable energy initiatives. Among these, biogas technology has emerged as a crucial solution for waste management and energy generation. In this article, we explore biogas purification, enrichment, and utilization, emphasizing its transformative potential in Kerala.

What is Biogas?

Biogas is a renewable energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste such as agricultural residues, kitchen waste, and animal manure. Composed primarily of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), biogas can be used for cooking, heating, and electricity generation. However, to maximize its utility, biogas requires purification and enrichment.

Biogas Purification

Raw biogas contains impurities like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and water vapor, which can corrode equipment and reduce energy efficiency. Purification is essential for enhancing its quality and usability. The key steps in biogas purification include:

H2S Removal: Hydrogen sulfide is toxic and corrosive. Techniques such as activated carbon filters or iron oxide scrubbers are used to eliminate H2S.

CO2 Separation: Carbon dioxide reduces the calorific value of biogas. Membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) are popular methods to remove CO2.

Dehumidification: Moisture in biogas can lead to pipeline blockages and equipment damage. Condensers and drying agents are employed to reduce water content.

Biogas Enrichment

Biogas enrichment involves increasing its methane concentration to achieve properties similar to natural gas. Enriched biogas, also known as biomethane, has a methane content of over 90%, making it suitable for applications like:

Compressed Biogas (CBG): Biomethane can be compressed and used as an alternative to CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) in vehicles.

Grid Injection: Enriched biogas can be injected into natural gas pipelines, expanding its accessibility.

Utilization of Biogas in Kerala

Kerala’s abundant organic waste offers immense potential for biogas production. With the state’s focus on decentralized waste management and clean energy, biogas plants are being set up across urban and rural areas. Here are some key utilization scenarios:

Household Applications:

Biogas generated from kitchen waste is widely used for cooking, reducing dependence on LPG.

Agricultural Use:

Farmers utilize biogas for powering irrigation pumps and other agricultural machinery.

The slurry from biogas plants serves as a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer.

Commercial and Industrial Use:

Hotels, hospitals, and industries in Kerala are adopting biogas systems for waste management and energy needs.

Transport Sector:

The state is exploring the potential of CBG as a sustainable fuel for public and private transportation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While Kerala has made significant strides in biogas adoption, challenges such as high initial investment, lack of technical expertise, and maintenance issues remain. To overcome these barriers, the following measures can be taken:

Government Support: Subsidies, tax incentives, and awareness campaigns can encourage wider adoption.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in biogas purification and enrichment technologies can reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

Training and Capacity Building: Educating stakeholders about biogas plant operation and maintenance is crucial for long-term success.

Conclusion

Biogas in Kerala holds immense promise for addressing waste management challenges and promoting clean energy. By focusing on purification, enrichment, and efficient utilization, the state can set an example for sustainable energy practices. Embracing biogas technology not only contributes to environmental conservation but also paves the way for energy self-reliance.

[aoneblowers]

Bio Gas Air Blowers

[pcdflowmeter]

Biogas Measurement Challenges & How Flowmeters Solve Them

Biogas is an essential renewable energy source made from organic materials like food waste, agricultural residues, and sewage.

Measuring biogas accurately is crucial for optimizing production, ensuring safety, and improving efficiency.

However, measuring biogas comes with several unique challenges. Let’s explore these issues and how specialized biogas flowmeters help overcome them.

Challenges in Measuring Biogas

Variable Composition

Biogas is a mixture of gases, primarily methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), with traces of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and water vapor.

The varying composition affects the density and flow characteristics, making it difficult to achieve consistent measurement.

Moisture Content

Biogas contains water vapor, which can condense into liquid. This moisture can interfere with measurement equipment, causing errors or even damaging the device.

Corrosive Components

Hydrogen sulfide in biogas is corrosive and can damage sensors, pipes, and other measurement devices. Ensuring durability is vital to maintaining long-term accuracy.

Low Pressure and Flow Rates

In many systems, biogas is transported at low pressure and flow rates, making it challenging for conventional meters to provide precise readings.

Temperature Fluctuations

Biogas production and transportation often occur in environments with varying temperatures. These fluctuations can affect the density and flow, leading to inaccurate measurements.

How Flowmeters Address These Challenges

Specialized flowmeters designed for biogas can tackle these issues effectively. Here’s how:

High Sensitivity to Variable Conditions

A biogas flowmeter is engineered to handle the unique properties of biogas, including its varying composition.

Many models use thermal mass technology, which measures the flow rate based on the heat carried by the gas, regardless of changes in pressure or temperature.

Moisture Handling

Modern flowmeters can filter out the effects of moisture in the gas, ensuring that condensed water droplets don’t interfere with measurements.

Some designs even include moisture separators to improve accuracy further.

Corrosion-Resistant Materials

To combat the corrosive effects of hydrogen sulfide, these flowmeters are often constructed with durable materials like stainless steel or special coatings that resist damage over time.

Precision at Low Pressures

Flowmeters designed for biogas can accurately measure low-pressure and low-flow conditions.

This feature is particularly important for smaller systems or early-stage biogas production setups.

Adaptability to Temperature Changes

Advanced flowmeters come with temperature compensation features, ensuring accurate readings even when there are significant environmental changes.

Benefits of Using Biogas Flowmeters

Investing in a high-quality biogas flowmeter brings numerous advantages:

Improved Efficiency

Accurate flow measurement helps optimize the biogas production process, reducing waste and improving energy output.

Enhanced Safety

Precise monitoring prevents leaks and detects potential issues early, ensuring a safer working environment.

Cost Savings

By minimizing errors and equipment damage, flowmeters reduce operational and maintenance costs.

Regulatory Compliance

Accurate measurements are essential for meeting environmental regulations and reporting requirements.

Choosing the Right Flowmeter

When selecting a flowmeter, working with a reliable biogas flowmeter manufacturer is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Understand Your Needs

Consider the specific challenges of your biogas system, such as pressure, flow rate, and temperature conditions.

Check for Durability

Ensure the flowmeter is made from materials that can withstand the corrosive and moist nature of biogas.

Look for Proven Technology

Choose flowmeters with features like thermal mass flow sensing, moisture compensation, and temperature adjustment for reliable performance.

Reputation Matters

A trusted manufacturer will offer high-quality products and provide support to ensure the right fit for your application.

Conclusion

Measuring biogas is not straightforward, but with the right tools, the process becomes manageable and efficient.

Flowmeters tailored for biogas address key challenges like moisture, corrosion, and low pressure, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.

By solving these measurement challenges, industries can unlock the full potential of biogas as a clean and renewable energy source.

[grunerrenewable01]

What Inspired Gruner Renewable to Focus on Biogas Production from Rice Straw?

Gruner Renewable’s commitment to sustainability led to their focus on Bio Gas Production from Rice Straw—a resource often wasted or burned, contributing to air pollution. 

1. Addressing Agricultural Waste

Stubble Burning Issue: Rice straw burning is a major contributor to air pollution. 

Sustainable Solution: Biogas plants provide an eco-friendly alternative by converting straw into energy. 

2. Renewable Energy Goals

Cleaner Energy Source: Bio CNG is a cleaner fuel alternative to petrol and diesel. 

Government Support: Policy incentives for renewable energy projects encouraged Gruner to pursue biogas initiatives. 

3. Support for Farmers

Additional Income: Farmers can sell their rice straw instead of burning it. 

Rural Development: Biogas plants create jobs and support local communities. 

Conclusion

Gruner Renewable’s focus on Bio Gas Production from Rice Straw reflects their commitment to tackling environmental issues while contributing to renewable energy advancements. 

[jcmarchi]

Designing tiny filters to solve big problems

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/designing-tiny-filters-to-solve-big-problems/

Designing tiny filters to solve big problems

For many industrial processes, the typical way to separate gases, liquids, or ions is with heat, using slight differences in boiling points to purify mixtures. These thermal processes account for roughly 10 percent of the energy use in the United States.

MIT chemical engineer Zachary Smith wants to reduce costs and carbon footprints by replacing these energy-intensive processes with highly efficient filters that can separate gases, liquids, and ions at room temperature.

In his lab at MIT, Smith is designing membranes with tiny pores that can filter tiny molecules based on their size. These membranes could be useful for purifying biogas, capturing carbon dioxide from power plant emissions, or generating hydrogen fuel.

“We’re taking materials that have unique capabilities for separating molecules and ions with precision, and applying them to applications where the current processes are not efficient, and where there’s an enormous carbon footprint,” says Smith, an associate professor of chemical engineering.

Smith and several former students have founded a company called Osmoses that is working toward developing these materials for large-scale use in gas purification. Removing the need for high temperatures in these widespread industrial processes could have a significant impact on energy consumption, potentially reducing it by as much as 90 percent.

“I would love to see a world where we could eliminate thermal separations, and where heat is no longer a problem in creating the things that we need and producing the energy that we need,” Smith says.

Hooked on research

As a high school student, Smith was drawn to engineering but didn’t have many engineering role models. Both of his parents were physicians, and they always encouraged him to work hard in school.

“I grew up without knowing many engineers, and certainly no chemical engineers. But I knew that I really liked seeing how the world worked. I was always fascinated by chemistry and seeing how mathematics helped to explain this area of science,” recalls Smith, who grew up near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. “Chemical engineering seemed to have all those things built into it, but I really had no idea what it was.”

At Penn State University, Smith worked with a professor named Henry “Hank” Foley on a research project designing carbon-based materials to create a “molecular sieve” for gas separation. Through a time-consuming and iterative layering process, he created a sieve that could purify oxygen and nitrogen from air.

“I kept adding more and more coatings of a special material that I could subsequently carbonize, and eventually I started to get selectivity. In the end, I had made a membrane that could sieve molecules that only differed by 0.18 angstrom in size,” he says. “I got hooked on research at that point, and that’s what led me to do more things in the area of membranes.”

After graduating from college in 2008, Smith pursued graduate studies in chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. There, he continued developing membranes for gas separation, this time using a different class of materials — polymers. By controlling polymer structure, he was able to create films with pores that filter out specific molecules, such as carbon dioxide or other gases.

“Polymers are a type of material that you can actually form into big devices that can integrate into world-class chemical plants. So, it was exciting to see that there was a scalable class of materials that could have a real impact on addressing questions related to CO2 and other energy-efficient separations,” Smith says.

After finishing his PhD, he decided he wanted to learn more chemistry, which led him to a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California at Berkeley.

“I wanted to learn how to make my own molecules and materials. I wanted to run my own reactions and do it in a more systematic way,” he says.

At Berkeley, he learned how make compounds called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — cage-like molecules that have potential applications in gas separation and many other fields. He also realized that while he enjoyed chemistry, he was definitely a chemical engineer at heart.

“I learned a ton when I was there, but I also learned a lot about myself,” he says. “As much as I love chemistry, work with chemists, and advise chemists in my own group, I’m definitely a chemical engineer, really focused on the process and application.”

Solving global problems

While interviewing for faculty jobs, Smith found himself drawn to MIT because of the mindset of the people he met.

“I began to realize not only how talented the faculty and the students were, but the way they thought was very different than other places I had been,” he says. “It wasn’t just about doing something that would move their field a little bit forward. They were actually creating new fields. There was something inspirational about the type of people that ended up at MIT who wanted to solve global problems.”

In his lab at MIT, Smith is now tackling some of those global problems, including water purification, critical element recovery, renewable energy, battery development, and carbon sequestration.

In a close collaboration with Yan Xia, a professor at Stanford University, Smith recently developed gas separation membranes that incorporate a novel type of polymer known as “ladder polymers,” which are currently being scaled for deployment at his startup. Historically, using polymers for gas separation has been limited by a tradeoff between permeability and selectivity — that is, membranes that permit a faster flow of gases through the membrane tend to be less selective, allowing impurities to get through.

Using ladder polymers, which consist of double strands connected by rung-like bonds, the researchers were able to create gas separation membranes that are both highly permeable and very selective. The boost in permeability — a 100- to 1,000-fold improvement over earlier materials — could enable membranes to replace some of the high-energy techniques now used to separate gases, Smith says.

“This allows you to envision large-scale industrial problems solved with miniaturized devices,” he says. “If you can really shrink down the system, then the solutions we’re developing in the lab could easily be applied to big industries like the chemicals industry.”

These developments and others have been part of a number of advancements made by collaborators, students, postdocs, and researchers who are part of Smith’s team.

“I have a great research team of talented and hard-working students and postdocs, and I get to teach on topics that have been instrumental in my own professional career,” Smith says. “MIT has been a playground to explore and learn new things. I am excited for what my team will discover next, and grateful for an opportunity to help solve many important global problems.”

[jcurryllc]

🌱 Why Your Business Needs a Biogas Expert Right Now

Listen up, sustainability warriors! Let's talk about one of the most overlooked players in the renewable energy game: biogas compliance consulting. If you're running an agricultural operation, food processing facility, or waste management company, you NEED to know this.

Here's the tea: More companies are turning waste into gold through waste to energy solutions. But here's the thing - you can't just throw organic waste into a tank and expect magic to happen. That's where a biogas expert engineering team comes in.

Your friendly neighborhood Biogas Consulting firm isn't just pushing paperwork. These wizards understand the entire bio gas system from start to finish. They're the difference between a failed investment and a thriving renewable energy operation.

What can a biogas expert actually do for you?

Transform your waste streams into profitable energy

Navigate complex environmental regulations

Optimize your system design for maximum efficiency

Troubleshoot technical issues before they become disasters

Keep you compliant with ever-changing regulations

The truth? The biogas industry is BOOMING in the USA, but success depends on having the right expertise in your corner. Biogas compliance consulting isn't just a luxury - it's your ticket to joining the renewable energy revolution.

#RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #WasteToEnergy #BiogasConsulting #CleanEnergy #GreenBusiness #Biogas #SustainableFuture #ClimateAction #RenewableTech

💚 Pro tip: Don't wait until you're knee-deep in compliance issues. Get a biogas expert on your team early. Your future self (and the planet) will thank you!

[biopower-2024]

Switch to biofuel and experience significant savings while reducing your environmental footprint. Cost-effective biofuels are perfect for industries and households aiming for sustainable energy solutions.

[chellyisacreampuff]

Friday, 15 Nov, FallB Week 1

Planned to get lunch before going to class, but woke up too late...

So instead had this blueberry & cream cheese crepe from Ministop. The cream cheese filling was amazing, but the blueberry one pretty disappointing, crepe okay but nothing special, so overall only 3/5

In FallB we don't have GIGI environment part anyway, only the human part (I guess the environment is not as important, right??????), so no more Friday morning class

Instead started my day with renewable energy class. About biogas reactors and production methods. Knew some of it already from a class at BTU, so it was actually more interesting to me (because it was easier to follow)

After class finally wanted to go to the restaurant I had planned to go to... But I didn't double check and instead of getting katsudon that I was craving for I accidentally went to a gyudon chain (Sukiya) next door... I only realised I went to the wrong place went I had sat down and the staff had already brought me water, so it would have been awkward to just leave at this point...

Got myself a small gyudon (beef on rice) with kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage) on top

Was raining and foggy the whole day, looked so beautiful

When I went home I started feeling dizzy and getting headache... Dunno if it was from the gyudon or something else

Decided to just lie down and then also tried to do some assignment. Decided to not go to my usual aikido because I didn't feel well...

But then suddenly a friend called me and asked if I wanna get dinner together. Felt a bit guilty to say yes, since I said no to aikido.... But didn't wanna miss this chance. And we wanted to meet up only later, so I reckoned I should feel better again by then

We went to a Ramen shop called Hariken Ramen (which they themselves translate as hurricane apparently?). I got dry soba with pork and thick "rich" shrimp flavoured soup (濃厚つけそば・エビ風味). The soup was extremely delicious, so thick, and the meat was also delicious, the soba noodles were good too, tasted nice to dip them into the soup

At home, first time trying Japanese Baumkuchen. Had accidentally gotten one with banana flavour, instead of standard one. But either way, if you expect German type of Baumkuchen, it's pretty disappointing

[reddonatura]

This #Christmas, let Reddonatura help you turn waste into wonder.

Together we can make the #holidays merry for the planet too!