Development of a Batch-Type Biogas Digester Using a Combination of Cow Dung, Swine Dung and Poultry Dropping

Abstract

The overdependence on crude oil in African countries warrants the need for alternative sources of energy. A 56-litre-capacity biogas digester was designed, fabricated and evaluated. Investigations were made into the production of biogas from the mixture of cow dung, swine dung and poultry dropping. Standard equations and models were used in the design of the components of the manually operated digester. The digester temperature, ambient temperature and pH were monitored during the experiment. The proximate analysis showed that volatile solid, total solid and moisture content for the mixed substrates at the initial stage were: 64.7%, 83.5% and 13.5% respectively. Similarly, at the digestion stage, the volatile solid, total solid and moisture content were: 54.1%, 22.6% and 74.4% respectively. Advancement of decomposition leads to gradual increasing pH value from 7.2 to 7.4, which indicates the stability of organic matter. The moisture content on a wet basis was initially 13.5%. This value latter increased to 74.4%. On the average, 15 kg of mixed substrates with 25 litres of impure water produced biogas within 25 days of digestion. The gas produced from mixed substrates became flammable with blue flame after 16 days of production, indicating that the ratio of methane gas generated with the three mixtures of fresh animal waste was higher than other gases produced.