Production of Biogas Using Kitchen Waste

Table of Contents
Acknowledgement ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Abstract........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter # 1 .................................................................................................................................................. 9
1.1

Energy Mix of Pakistan .............................................................................................................. 9

1.2

Fossil Fuels and Current energy Demands ............................................................................... 9

1.3

Renewable Energy Sources ...................................................................................................... 10

Chapter # 2 ................................................................................................................................................ 12
2.1

Biomass Conversion Process .................................................................................................... 12

2.2

Thermochemical Conversion Processes .................................................................................. 15

2.2.1

Combustion ........................................................................................................................ 15

2.2.2

Gasification ........................................................................................................................ 15

2.2.3

Pyrolysis ............................................................................................................................. 15

2.2.4

Other Processes ................................................................................................................. 15

Bio-chemical Conversion .......................................................................................................... 15

2.3

2.3.1

Fermentation ..................................................................................................................... 16

2.3.2

Anaerobic Digestion .......................................................................................................... 16

Chapter # 3 ................................................................................................................................................ 17
Anaerobic Digestion .................................................................................................................. 17

3.1

3.1.1

Historical facts ................................................................................................................... 17

Anaerobic Digestion .................................................................................................................. 17

3.2

3.2.1

Hydrolysis .......................................................................................................................... 18

3.2.2

Acidification....................................................................................................................... 18

3.2.3

Methanogenesis ................................................................................................................. 18

Classification of Anaerobic-Digestion ..................................................................................... 19

3.3

3.3.1

Temperature Basis: Mesophilic or Thermophilic .......................................................... 19

3.3.2

Wet or Dry Processes ........................................................................................................ 20

3.3.3

Other Classifications ......................................................................................................... 20

3.4

Parameters Affecting Digestion Process ................................................................................. 20

3.4.1

Temperature ...................................................................................................................... 20

3.4.2

PH ....................................................................................................................................... 20

3.4.3

Mixing ................................................................................................................................ 20
2

Value Addition processes.......................................................................................................... 21

3.5

3.5.1

Thermal Pre-treatment..................................................................................................... 21

3.5.2

Co-Digestion Process......................................................................................................... 21

Up Gradation Technologies...................................................................................................... 22

3.6

3.6.1

Carbon Diode Removal .................................................................................................... 22

3.6.2

Hydrogen Sulphide Removal ........................................................................................... 23

3.7

By Product Digestate ................................................................................................................ 23

3.8

Pros and Cons of Anaerobic digestion process ....................................................................... 23

3.9

Family Scale Biogas Digester units .......................................................................................... 24

Chapter 4 ................................................................................................................................................... 26
4.1 Developing Lab Scale Digester Model for Experimentation ....................................................... 26
4.1.1

Inlet Line ............................................................................................................................ 27

4.1.2

Gas Line ............................................................................................................................. 27

4.1.3

Outlet Pipe ......................................................................................................................... 27

4.1.4

Inoculum insertion ............................................................................................................ 27

4.1.5

Food waste preparation .................................................................................................... 27

4.1.6

Loading rate ...................................................................................................................... 27

4.1.7

Results and Findings of Experiment ............................................................................... 27

Chapter 5 ................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.1

Case Study: Biogas from Kitchen Waste of UET ................................................................... 28

Glossary ..................................................................................................................................................... 30
References .................................................................................................................................................. 31

List of Illustration

Figure 1 Energy Mix of Pakistan ...................................................................................................... 9

Figure 2 Biomass to Biogas conversion routes ............................................................................. 12
Figure 3 Ven Krevlen Diagram ...................................................................................................... 14
Figure 4 Anaerobic Digestion Process Steps ................................................................................. 19
Figure 5 Potential of Kitchen Waste ............................................................................................. 21
Figure 6 Membrane separation technology ................................................................................. 22
Figure 7 Wet Scrubing System ...................................................................................................... 23
Figure 8 Conventional Digester models ........................................................................................ 25
Figure 9 Steps involved in digester construction .......................................................................... 26

Acknowledgement

All praise to who provided us with the strength to accomplish this main project. All
respects are for His HOLY PROPHET whose teachings are true source of knowledge &
guidance for whole mankind.
Before anybody else we thank our Parents who have always been a source of moral support,
driving force behind whatever we do.
Work is conducted during technical report on utilization of kitchen waste for Biogas production
under the umbrella of SPACE. Authors are very thankful to SPACE Team for their cooperation
and support without which forum cannot survive.
Submitted By
Team Renewable Energy Forum

Abstract

Ever growing world population demands energy resources growing with the same pace but in
reality conventional energy resources are depleting with exponential rate and in opposite
direction. To meet the energy demand and supply gap, alternative sources other than
conventional fossils needs to be exploited.
To ensure sustainable development, fossil fuels are being switched with renewable energy
sources which are gaining importance because of their environment friendly nature and cost
effectiveness. Among these sources popular contenders are Solar, wind, hydro and biomass.
Applicability of these sources strongly depends upon locality and regional conditions, if wind is
applicable for one locality; solar is feasible for other. Biomass is among those names which
provide feasible solution for almost every place.
Currently we have around 4000 MW electricity shortfall which reveal the worse energy crises
being faced by Pakistan. Common Energy sources powering our economy are Oil and Gas.
Major reserves of these conventional fossils are expected to be depleted by 2025. So to tackle
this energy crisis in presence of political and geographical constraints, bio-gas is good option for
country like Pakistan providing quick solution.
This report will deal with the feasibility analysis of biogas production from organic waste
material especially from kitchen waste.
Kitchen waste containing high content of organic material can be utilized in community level
digester unit to obtain high calorific value biogas (even 4700 kcal) which is otherwise
environmental pollution. After certain cleaning processes gas can be used for either direct
heating or for power generation to fulfill energy demands of community.
Our University provides accommodation to more than 3000 students while total visitors on daily
basis are about 7000, so a number cafeterias and canteens are there to serve them foods. These
Kitchens produce a lot of organic waste which can be used for biogas generation which is
otherwise pollution for environment. So this report contain a case study in which this bio mass is
considered for bio gas generation.

Introduction
Energy is the most vital tool ensuring the prosperous growth of economy of any country. Current
industrialization and globalization demands for more energy ever used by humanity and this
hunger of energy is increasing with exponential rate just like rolling ice balls while conventional
and typical resources are depleting with same pace but in opposite direction. So to make
sustainable development there is no option other than switching from conventional to nonconventional and renewable energy resources.
Pakistan is among those under developed countries which have abundance of natural resources
but still face the worst energy demand-supply gap. Due to industrial growth and increasing
population energy demands are increasing exponentially, with no progress on supply side
eventually ending up ever growing shortfall. Last fiscal years results shows that we used more
than $ 15 Billion on oil import but still unable to fulfill even power sector needs which results in
4000-7000 MW electricity shortfall. Adding salt to injury, statistics shows that by 2025 major oil
and gas reserves are supposed to be depleted such as Mari, Sui etc.
Careful examination of economy reveals that Pakistan is an agrarian economy where 70%
population is directly or indirectly earning bread and butter from agriculture. Millions of cattle
produce huge amount of manure which can be used as source of biogas. On the other hand
Kitchen Waste (KW) and/or Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) contain large amount of volatile
solids so their improper dumping is a serious environment hazard. Only minute amount of this
waste is dumped in a proper way, remaining fraction is left in open fields causing formation of
uncontrolled methane, leachate which simultaneously affect air and water quality. These open
dumping site serve as colonies for mosquitoes as well.
Long term solutions are the actual sustainable solutions but to tackle current crises short term
and relatively low capital demanding solutions can work as quick response force. Kitchen waste
is a name of environmental pollution which can be used as power source if managed properly. It
contains remarkable amount of organic compounds which is treated anaerobically to produce
clean pipeline quality gas.
So first chapter of this report will deal the current energy scenario of Pakistan, where major
energy sources will be discussed briefly. Next chapter will give some insight of available
processes for conversion of organic waste to useful energy form.

In third chapter anaerobic digestion is studied in detail along with parameters affecting the
process. In last chapter a case study has been presented which gives feasibility report of Kitchen
waste biogas plant for UET canteens.
Biogas can be obtained from kitchen waste by two stage process, firstly long and complex
organic molecules are converted into small and simple alcohol, glycerol and sugar molecules. As
a second step these simple structured molecules are used by another type of bacteria which
produces methane and carbon dioxide. [1] Production rate of methane is very much affected by
ambient conditions and it shows higher efficiencies at high temperature. Biogas resulting from
mix feed (i.e. animal feast and vegetable/crop residue) is greater as compared to animal manure
alone.
Emission of Carbon oxides is playing major role behind global warming so to reduce this
phenomena alternative fuels have to be used. Biogas from kitchen and other organic wastes
provides feasible and cost effective solution.

Chapter # 1
1.1 Energy Mix of Pakistan
As mentioned earlier energy mix of any country reveals its economic stability and quality of life.
Pakistan is under developing country with 18 billion populations to be feed by utilizing limited
energy resources. Conventional energy sources being exploited in Pakistan are Oil, Gas with
some role played by renewable energy such as hydro power.
1.2 Fossil Fuels and Current energy Demands
Electricity demand of Pakistan is 15000 to 20,000 MW which is subjective matter and fluctuates
with seasonal changes. But overall production is 11,500 which means more than 4000 MW short
fall all the time present causing intensive load shedding some time ranging 16 hour per day.
Interesting fact is that only 55 % of overall population has access to electricity.
Oil contributes some 30% in overall energy mix which major use in transport and power sector.
Last year 15 billion dollar from foreign exchange is used on oil import. As we are dependent on
international oil market so instability and political crises of oil exporting countries have direct
impact on our national economy and have shown adverse impact in second month of 2015 when
loss of billions of rupees was faced due to shortage of Oil.

Figure 1 Energy Mix of Pakistan

Gas is relatively clean and instant form of energy, sharing 44 % of energy mix. Overall current
requirement is 6.5 Billion SCF of gas but availability is 4 Billion SCF which means shortfall is
2.5 billion SCF. Major reserves of gas in Pakistan are reported to be depleted by 2025, so to
tackle this shortage Pakistan-India-Iran gas pipeline is being considered as a solution.
Coal reserves in Pakistan are some 185 billion ton which is massive amount but this indigenous
coal cannot be used directly for power production because of high sulpher and moisture contents
and low quality. Even coal fired boilers are using imported coal. But reasonable work has been
performed by government to promote use of this coal for electricity generation, bids for eight
coal-fired power plants has been invited. Underground gasification was tried but this option also
proved to be non-compatible with Pakistani coal. So in current scenario coal share in energy mix
not more than 10 %.
Recently LNG is imported from Qatar which is costly as compared to indigenous natural gas but
still it gave hope to power and fertilizer sector.
1.3 Renewable Energy Sources
To cope with the energy crises and global warming fossil fuels are being replaced with
renewable and sustainable energy sources such as solar, tidal, wind, geo, hydro and biomass. As
an example we can quote Brazil which is obtaining its 70% energy needs from concept of green
energy that is biomass.
Pakistan has potential for wind power plants, only in Sind estimated power capacity is 10,000
50, 000 MW. But still this potential is not exploited, only in Jhampir 50 MW power plant is
installed by Fauji Fertilizer Company. In short, wind plants are not contributing actively in
national energy grid.
100,000 MW solar potential we have in Pakistan but due to large capital cost individuals cannot
afford it. On large scale one solar park has been approved by government whose construction is
under way. On small scale solar energy is being used for water heating or some time solar cells
are used for water pumps.
Hydro power is the extraction of energy from moving water by using hydro turbines. Around 34
% of total electricity is being obtained from hydro power i.e. 6555 MW against total potential of
45000 MW. Some mega projects such as Neelam Jhelum project are under construction phase
and can provide promising future.

10

Table 1: Capacity of hydro-power stations in PAK

A lot of biomass is produced on daily basis in Pakistan which is a rich source of power in
developed countries while in our country due to improper management it is considered to be a
waste causing environmental pollution. Urban areas produce 55,000 tons of solid waste
(containing large portion of kitchen waste) over 1 million tons of animal manure and 225, 000
tons of crop residue is produced daily. Bio chemical and thermochemical processes can be
applied to convert this waste into power and nutrients rich fertilizer, as being discussed in next
section.

11

Chapter # 2
2.1 Biomass Conversion Process
A number of bio-degradation techniques have been developed to gain energy from available
biomasses, but selection of any specific technique will depend upon following listed constraints:

Quality along with quantity of available biomass.

Energy Requirements of end user.
Available on hand capital and economic conditions.
Environmental concerns and state regulations.

Figure 2 Biomass to Biogas conversion routes

So depending upon the type and state of biomass list of processes is available.

12

Energy can be obtained by biomass by either utilizing thermochemical route or by using biochemical route. Mechanically forced extraction processes are sometime also used as in case of
bio-diesel extraction form seeds.

Depending upon literature and source some authors has defined two more processes as chemical
and thermal processes. All these processes have their own charm and limitation. Historically
combustion is the most ancient method for conversion of biomass into energy and most simple as
well. Among biochemical processes fermentation also have very old history, being used for
converting fruits into alcoholic products. Study of all these processes is not the major goal of this
report but brief introduction will be provided in upcoming lines.

13

Before getting in to discussion of biomass conversion techniques it is important to mention that

amount of energy obtained from different biomasses can be compared in term of their O: C or H:
C ratio and is depicted by Ven Krevlen Diagram. And these ratios are strong function of feed
composition

Figure 3 Ven Krevlen Diagram

Historically this diagram was developed for study of petroleum products and their level of
maturity as well as origin by comparing hydrogen, carbon and oxygen level. But this graph is
also used for measuring heating value of biomass. As being depicted by figure, biomass has
reasonable heating values when compared with coal or peat.

14

2.2 Thermochemical Conversion Processes

Biomasses are converted in to applied energy forms by following explained thermochemical
processes,
2.2.1 Combustion
Burning process of biomass in air, producing intense heat some time increasing temperature of
flue up to 8000C is used in diverse applications such as power generation, process heating etc.
Combustion process in not given much appreciation because of low net efficiency (10-40 %) and
harmful nature for fragile environment. But still it is being applied over all on massive scale due
to ease of application.
Moisture is hurdle in burning hence feed having moisture >50% is not combust rather used for
biodegradation processes. In such constraints CO-combustion of organics with coal can be used
as well.
2.2.2 Gasification
Biomass conversion into combustible mixer of gases by high T partial oxidation is Gasification.
Low heating value (some 5 MJ/N m3) product is directly applied to fuel engines [2]. Chemical
Production by using Synthesis gas as feedstock is also alternative option.
Integrated process of energy production by gasification calls for application of turbines which
run on syngas with net efficiency of 50%.
2.2.3 Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis applies high T (500) heating in absence of air to produce mix of solid, gas and liquid
fuels.[3] by utilizing process of flash pyrolysis high content of bio-oil (efficiency about 79.9%)
can be obtained, that can be used as a feedstock for refineries.[4] Up gradation processes are
essential requirement to reduce oxygen and alkali contents.
2.2.4 Other Processes
Other choices are hydro thermal up gradation and liquefaction processes producing partial
oxygenated fuels by processing biomass in wet environment at high pressure, main products are
liquid fuels. HTU is considered to be costly than pyrolysis.
2.3 Bio-chemical Conversion
Under umbrella of Bio-chemical processes only two main techniques are available being
explained briefly in upcoming lines:
15

2.3.1 Fermentation
Fermentation is biochemical conversion mostly resulting in formation of ethanol; abundantly
used feed stock is sugar cane residues (pronounced as bagasse) sometime also consuming starch
crops like maize. By action of enzymes sugars are produced form these feed stock, remainings
of fermentation processes can be used as animal feed or for further gasification process.
Conversion of lignocellulose biomass is difficult due to complex and long chain molecules and
hence cant be used as feed until acidic enzymatic hydrolysis is applied which is premature
process not so well developed.
2.3.2 Anaerobic Digestion
Organic Material is directly converted into biogas which is mostly methane and carbon diode
with minute amount of other gases. This conversion is in fact due to bacteriological action
resulting in gas having lower heating value of feed material. Biogas production is well
developed, well proven technology utilizing high moisture content raw material (about 90%
moisture). By further up gradation natural gas quality product can be obtained by removing CO2.

16

Chapter # 3
3.1

Anaerobic Digestion

3.1.1 Historical facts

Anaerobic digestion process is not newly developed idea, rather its roots have been found in late
nineteen century when first digester was developed in Bombay, India. Since than a number of
plants have constructed throughout the Asian Countries. In decade of 1970 China and India
implemented policy of small scale digester unit (6-7 m size) funded by government, mostly units
were constructed in rural areas to provide power for home lightening and waster irrigation
system.
More than 20 million plants are operating in China, and every year 1 million new small size
plants are added in this figure. National policy on Biogas is supposed to be activating after which
green revolution is to be expected, by 2020 small and medium size plants will reach the figure of
40 million. From centuries, European countries are using this process to convert their waste into
bio fertilizer and biogas.
A number of Policies has been made by Pakistani government as well. But since 1970 not more
than 20,000 household level units has been installed. And these units only consider animal
manure, so these plants must be upgrade so that they can handle to MSW and other kitchen waste
as well as animal wastes.
Now a day, certain working bodies are taking interest in these green energy process such as
AEDB (i.e. Alternative energy Development Board) and many other. But need is to enforce their
policies and provide special funds and loans on root level so that these documentary statements
could be translated into ground realities.
3.2

Anaerobic Digestion

As being revealed by name it is biological decaying process occurring in the absence of air
producing biogas and high nutritious bio fertilizer. In three stages overall degradation of biodegradable waste takes place by methanation bacteria. As a first step complex molecular
structures are hydrolyzed into simple molecules such as alcohol and sugar.
This transformation shows a net decrease in PH due to acid formation and hence rate of this step
can be checked by measuring the falling rate of PH, which again rises by the end of second
degradation phase. At last methanation bacteria produce methane and Carbon oxide.

17

3.2.1 Hydrolysis
Long chains of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are decomposed by bacteria into smaller
molecule, such as poly saccharides are converted into monosaccharide and proteins results in
formation of amino acids.

So monomers and oligomers are produced by consumption of polymers, Hydrolytic enzymes

converts biopolymers into simple soluble compounds
3.2.2 Acidification
3.2.2.1

Acidogenesis
As a second step of digestion this involves production of acetic acid, hydrogen and
carbon dioxide along with volatile fatty acid as well as alcohol by the action of
acidogenic bacteria. Small amount of energy is needed as a input because bacteria alone
is unable to perform this decomposition. Bounded oxygen and atmospheric oxygen (if
present any) is consumed here and as a result anaerobic conditions are produced which is
the requirement of third step.
3.2.2.2
Acetogenesis
Certain products of Acidogenesis cannot be used by methanogenic bacteria for methane
formation so acetogenesis bacteria oxidize those compounds into hydrogen and acetates.
Acetogenesis and Methanogenesis usually run in parallel.
3.2.3 Methanogenesis
This is step where anaerobic bacteria converts low molecular weight compound into carbon
dioxide and methane. These bacteria are very sensitive to ambient conditions and slight changes
in T and P can results in dramatic change in amount of methane.

18

This is the most important step as well as slowest in whole process. Slight aeration, Digester
overloading, change in PH can stop methane formation.

Figure 4 Anaerobic Digestion Process Steps

3.3

Classification of Anaerobic-Digestion

3.3.1 Temperature Basis: Mesophilic or Thermophilic

Mesophilic process requires 25-45 OC range of temperature while in case of Thermophilic
process temperature range is 50-65 0C. Both processes are practical and currently being used and
have their own pros and corns. In Mesophilic process ambient temperature range mean low
energy requirement but at the expense of less gas production per unit feed and slow process of
Decomposition.
Thermophilic process offer high rate of digestion and its efficiency in term of gas per unit feed is
also high as it kills more pathogens which are hazardous for process. As it applies circulation of
hot water to maintain the temperature of digester so it requires large capital investment and also
operating capital is high. In case of Mesophilic process also offer risk of ammonia inhibition.
19

3.3.2 Wet or Dry Processes

Main difference between the two processes is of moisture content and condition of feed. Dry
process takes feed usually as it is in dry solid form while in wet processing it is converted into
slurry form which is pumped to digester. Wet AD is used in case of farm plants while MSW is
treated under dry conditions.
3.3.3 Other Classifications
AD can also be classified on the basis of loading rate or by number of digestion units:
Continuous or Batch process
Single or multiple digester units
3.4

Parameters Affecting Digestion Process

Microbial activity has direct relation with amount of gas produced so all those parameters which
adversely affect the performance of microbes should be kept under eye. Some important factors
are being discussed briefly:
3.4.1 Temperature
Usual digestion take place under mesophilic conditions (20-54oC) or thermophilic conditions
(50-65 0C), both differing in temperature range only. Higher temperature destroys hazardous
pathogens and speeds up the process and hence reducing the retention time. But temperature
should be maintained at constant level to gain a steady flow of gas.
3.4.2 PH
PH requirement for two main steps Acidogenesis and Methanogenesis is different. In
Acidogenesis step acids such as lactic, acetic and formic acids are produced causing reduction in
PH, if PH is already acidic performance of this step would be slow. Methanogenesis step cant
proceed effectively under PH of 6.4 or less, ideal range is 6.6 to 7 for this step. Thats why to
control the PH some time buffer solutions or alkalis are applied.

3.4.3 Mixing
As in all other reactive cases mixing increases the surface area and hence more probability for
bacteria to perform its decaying action. Mixing also prevents development of temperature

20

pockets and gradients zones resulting in even digestion. But excessive mixing causes hurdles in
bacterial action so slow mixing is used if needed.
But usual recommendation is to thoroughly mix the feed before entering the container, once
entered no more mixing is needed.
3.5

Value Addition processes

3.5.1 Thermal Pre-treatment

Gas production can be enhanced enormously by thermally pre-treating the Kitchen waste.
Because of increased dissolution capacity, it also destroy Pathogens; Harmful organism. Odor
problems are also minimized up to certain extent.

Figure 5 Potential of Kitchen Waste

3.5.2 Co-Digestion Process

Animal manure is considered to be good feed stock for anaerobic digestion and same statement
for Kitchen waste. But application of both in mix form has shown synergistic effects and
methane yield is 34 % more as compared to produced when KW was used alone. Some Major
Advantages are:
Per m3 volume of digester more biogas is generated and hence process is financially
beneficial.
Nutrients and hence value of digestate is increased as organic fertilizer.
21

 Total feed rate is increased, so it can be used for continuous process and can compete
other gas providing sources.

3.6

Up Gradation Technologies

Bio gas produced from kitchen waste can be used as such but by certain treatment process we
can upgrade this gas to compete with pipe line quality gas.
3.6.1 Carbon Diode Removal
Biogas contain significant amount of Carbon Dioxide which is combustion product and hence
contribute nothing toward calorific value. So to increase quality and heating value we can
remove this CO2 by any of following commercial processes:

Membrane Separation
Wet Scrubbing
Molecular Sieve
Ethylene Glycol Solvent

Membranes Separation is newly developed technique but it is proved to be effective for gas
purification. It can molecular level holes/pores from which selective molecules are allowed to
diffuse, resulting product is free from acidic gases.

Figure 6 Membrane separation technology

Ethylene Glycol is a well-developed solvent for removal of acidic gases from natural gas and
can be used for biogas as well. It is beneficial because it remove simultaneously carbon oxide
along with sulpher oxide. But because of chemical nature, its regeneration is costly.
22

Wet scrubbing is also good option in which water can be

used as a solvent which absorb acidic gases by providing
counter current contact with gas. As process is totally
physical so solvent can be regenerated easily for re-use but
it is recommended to use water from sewage treatment
plant which is waste water and abundantly available, so no
need for reuse.

3.6.2 Hydrogen Sulphide Removal

Figure 7 Wet Scrubing System

Hydrogen Sulphide is acidic gas which is causes the

problems of corrosion, so its removal is necessary. Common techniques for H2S removal are
water scrubbing and sodium hydroxide scrubbing. Activated carbon can also provide reasonable
separation.
3.7

By Product Digestate

By digestion process bounded nutrients are mineralized and hence readily available to plants.
Carbon to nitrogen ratio in digestate is lower as compared to untreated slurry so it is rich source
of nitrogen, in fact replaces synthetic fertilizers. Due to its liquid nature and flow properties it is
easily mixed with water and penetrates readily in soil.
Avoid too much agitation or stirring before applying to ground in order to save nitrogen contents
which can leak in the form of nitrates and ammonia.

3.8

Pros and Cons of Anaerobic digestion process

Pros
Anaerobic digestion plays an important role in reduction of greenhouse gasses. Wellmanaged digester produce methane for use but it does not evolve hazardous gases to
environment so reducing net emission of greenhouse gases. It provides a source of energy
without increasing carbon that participates in climate change.
The most important advantage of anaerobic digestion is that feedstock needed for this is
renewable source. Energy generated by this process can release the fossil fuels demand. It
also decrease synthetic fuel used for fertilizer production by giving digestate.

23

 It reduces the chances of soil water and soil pollution as compared to disposal of
untreated slurries.
It damages all weed seeds and reduce the need of herbicides.
Fusing treatment of different organic waste.
Pollution control
Cons
Anaerobic digestion has significant capital and operational costs. This can be minimized
by using its other products.
Pathogenic contents of waste can impose serious risk to human health but it can be
reduced by following SOPs during handling.
Risk of explosion and fire.
With respect to economy of scale units are not so much economical as they should be, so
intensive work is required by field expert to make it more economical.
Presence of Heavy metals and ammonia contents have shown serious impacts on humans,
so ammonia and other ammonia compound should be managed properly whether as a
constituent of gas or as a part of digestion slurry.
Needs large start-up time.
The vicinity of sulphur nourishes prompts the generation of carcinogenic gas hydrogen
sulphide amid assimilation. This H2S will then structure a part of the created biogas. As
Hydrogen Sulphide is amazingly destructive and its vicinity obliges the buy of more
strong and along these lines cost generators.
3.9

Family Scale Biogas Digester units

Asian countries like China, India Nepal etc. have installed millions of simple household digester
unit which accept kitchen waste as feed and resultant gas is used foe home lighting and heat
generation purposes. These models are simple in construction, robust and usually have no
instrumentation and run on mesophilic conditions as ambient temperature is mostly 20-40
0
C.Material of Construction is local metal which is easy to maintain, HRT ( retention time) is
slightly longer than commercial scale units.
Chinese model digester is common in which underground vessel of volume 6-8 m3 is used. They
operate in batch process where feed is charged once a day along with discharge of effluents. No
mechanical stirring is applied, and 2 to 3 times per year it is totally cleaned and then one fifth of
volume is filled with inoculum before start up.
Indian type digester are also in practice which is similar as Chinese units but difference is in its
vertical shape where effluents are collected in bottom and floating dome serve as gas holder.

24

Figure 8 Conventional Digester models

Above shown digester are most common although other models such as horizontal, hybrid etc. are also
good options. Type of digester and prevailing conditions are effect the product composition and quality,
in our case product of interest is biogas. Typical composition of biogas obtained and their energy contents
are being listed in following table.

Composition of biogas

25

Chapter 4
4.1 Developing Lab Scale Digester Model for Experimentation
For studying properties of resultant biogas Lab scale unit can be designed by using 20 liter water
cane acting as Digester. Three holes are drilled in digester one for feed inlet, second as a
digestate outlet and third for gas removal. From Digester gas can be moved to a storage vessel, in
our case it is a tube.

Figure 9 Steps involved in digester construction

For constructing model on lab scale, two options for storage vessel are available. In first
case gas can be stored in a tube and as a second option gas can be stored in a water bath

26

with calibration. Second storage option have advantage that it can also measure amount of
gas but more costly.
4.1.1 Inlet Line
Pipe with 1.5 inch diameter can be used as inlet for feed, connection should be made by joint and
union and it should ensure that hole is air tight. Otherwise aerobic bacteria will suppress activity
of anaerobic bacteria resulting in no or very minute gas formation.
4.1.2 Gas Line
On the top of digester gas line is connected through which gas move toward gas collector. Gas
collector could be a tube or some gas holder dipped in water. Through Water dipped holder we
can also measure amount of gas produced by finding displaced water.
4.1.3 Outlet Pipe
At the height of 10 cm outlet pipe is connected to the digester which takes digestate material out,
again point of air leakage should be kept in mind.
4.1.4 Inoculum insertion
Inoculum is used to start microbial activity, after started process is continuous. Inoculum is
mixture of water and cow dung or digestate taken from already running unit. Usually it is
prepared by mixing 1:1 one day old cow dung and water.
4.1.5 Food waste preparation
Kitchen waste material was collected and prepared for loading by in the form of homogeneous
mixture or paste form. For making paste take fresh waste and convert it into small pieces and add
equal amount of water, this slurry usually contain cooked rice, vegetable peels etc.
4.1.6 Loading rate
Loading should be in such a way that neither digester should be over load nor it should be empty.
Overloading means accumulation of acid causing hurdle in methane formation and if unit is
underfed, amount of resultant gas will be small. Steady state plant is loaded on daily basis but it
can also operate in batch form.
4.1.7 Results and Findings of Experiment
This experimental rig can be used to find amount of gas produced from different form of wastes
and other effect of other parameters such as temperature can be found. Once gas is formed its
heating value can be measured as well. In our experiment gas was produced but due to air
leakages in the unit aerobic bacteria started its action so we were unable to collect reasonable
amount. So must take measures to avoid theses leakages which can destroy whole experiment.
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Chapter 5
5.1 Case Study: Biogas from Kitchen Waste of UET
In UET Lahore we have 15 Hostels with a large colony containing more than 200 houses and a
dozens of canteens and fruit shops producing huge amount of organic waste have disposal issues.
This waste can be utilized in biogas production.

Table 2: Organic waste of UET

This amount of waste consists of seasonal fruit peels, chicken waste, vegetable waste, pieces of
breads etc. which can be biodegraded easily.
For the sake of simplicity, in above shown table only main caf and canteens have been quoted,
although hostels and staff houses are also producing healthy amount of kitchen waste.
So,
Daily organic Waste = 223 Kg
Annual waste = 81 tons
One ton waste produces gas = 157 m3
Annually produced biogas = 81 * 157 = 12,779 m3
So only from waste of main cafeterias and canteen annual production of biogas is more than
12,000 m3. Also effectively reducing load on dumping site.

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Conclusion & Recommendations

Anaerobic digestion is the process through which one can consume waste and energy is obtained
in the form of clean gas containing methane content up to 65%. During this digestion process by
product in the form of organic fertilizer is also earned. So we must say anaerobic digestion not
only promise prosperous future in term of energy but also consumes waste so load on landfills
and dumping site reduces up to 30 %.
This process not only takes kitchen waste but also applicable to MSW, farm Waste and crop
residuals. So this digester is applicable in farms as well. In light of all above discussion
following lines are being recommended.
As biogas is being produced from nowhere other than waste material so raw material
cost nothing more than collection cost. Even this cost could be cut down by installing
small size (Chinese model) on spot digester.
Government should provide short term loans to farmers (such as being provided with the
name of yellow cap scheme) as well as subsidies so that village level energy
requirements could be fulfill on spot without increasing load on national grid.
Pakistan should participate actively in international green energy forum, by this we can
learn from experience of developed countries and can get exposure as well.
Data and facts with respect to local biomasses such as their composition, calorific
values, ideal digestion conditions etc. are needed to be found. So for intensive research
HEC focus on this field as well.
Media should play its effective role by launching awareness campaigns, in which locals
should be guided about benefits of household digesters.
Policies on national scale should be formed in which installation of community level
digester for treating waste of same community should be made compulsory.
This waste to energy process is not the only solution of energy crises which will fulfill energy
demands in nights, but is sustainable process which will reduce demand and supply gap for sure.
The only need is to take interest and take sincere initiative!

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Glossary

Aerobic Treatment
Degradation process of Organic compounds in the presence of Oxygen.
Anaerobic Digestion
Processing of organic compound in the absence of Oxygen to produce compost and biogas.
Biodegradable Material
Compound that can be converted to simple molecular structures (CO2, H2O etc.) easily by using
microorganisms and bacteriological actions.
Digestate
Sludge or slurry left after anaerobic digestion when biogas is separated, still contain large
amount of nutrients and used as fertilizer.
Mesophilic
Microbial action which process in moderate temperature range (20 to 45oC).
Methanogenesis
Last step of Anaerobic Digestion where acetic acid plus hydrogen is converted into biogas
Thermophilic
Microbial degradation process taking place at relatively high temperature (50 to 65oC).
Volatile Solids or VS
Amount of organic matter present usually measures in percentage of total solid.

30

References
1. Ravi P. Agrahari, G. Tiwari N., 2013.The Production of Biogas Using Kitchen Waste
2. McKendry, P., 2001. Energy production from biomass (part 2): conversion
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3. McKendry, P.,2000. Energy production from biomass (part 1): conversion technologies
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P.
Agrahari,
G. Tiwari
N.,
2013.
The Production of Biogas Using Kitchen Waste
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Manure for Biogas Production
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Market
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