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Construct a Biogas Plant
The
construction times given here
are at
best an estimation based on limited field experience. Skill divisions
are given
because some aspects of the project require someone with experience in
metalworking and/or welding. Make sure adequate facilities are
available before
construction begins. A biogas digester is the apparatus used to control anaerobic decomposition. In general, it consists of a sealed tank or pit that holds the organic material, and some means to collect the gases that are produced. Many different shapes and styles of biogas plants have been experimented with: horizontal, vertical, cylindrical, cubic, and dome shaped. One design that has won much popularity, for reliable performance in many different countries is presented in this book. 
It
is the Indian cylindrical pit design. In
1979 there were 50,000 such plants in use in India alone, 25,000 in
Korea, and
many more in Japan, the Philippines, Pakistan, Africa, and Latin
America. There
are two basic parts to the design: a tank that holds the slurry (a
mixture of
manure and water); and a gas cap or drum on the tank to capture the gas
released from the slurry. To get these parts to do their jobs, of
course,
requires provision for mixing the slurry, piping off the gas, drying
the
effluent, etc. In addition to the production of fuel and fertilizer, a
digester
becomes the receptacle for animal, human, and organic wastes. This
removes from
the environment possible breeding grounds for rodents, insects, and
toxic
bacteria, thereby producing a healthier environment in which to live. Some
applications for the
biogas:
Some
advantages:
If you are considering this book, the 80 page document Biogas Plant Design (only $9.00 five dollars) is also worth having. TABLE
OF CONTENTS I. WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT IS USEFUL II. II. DECISION FACTORS Applications Advantages Disadvantages Considerations Cost Estimate III. III. MAKING THE DECISION AND FOLLOWING THROUGH IV. IV. PRECONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS By-Products of Digestion Location Size Heating and Insulating Digesters Materials Tools V. V. CONSTRUCTION Prepare Foundation and Walls Prepare the Gas Cap Drum Prepare Moisture Trap Prepare Mixing and Effluent Tanks VI. VI. OPERATION Output and Pressure VII. VARIOUS APPLICATIONS OF BIOGAS AND DIGESTER BY-PRODUCTS Engines Fertilizer Improvised Stove Lighting VIII. MAINTENANCE Possible Troubles IX. TEST GAS LINE FOR LEAKS X. DICTIONARY OF TERMS XI. CONVERSION TABLES XII. FURTHER INFORMATION RESOURCES A Listing of Recommended Resource Materials Useful Information for Methane Digester Designs APPENDIX I. DECISION MAKING WORKSHEET APPENDIX II. RECORD KEEPING WORKSHEET  NOTE:
The 3-Cubic Meter Biogas Plant manual is a downloadable
e-book. No physical products
will be shipped. After you order, you will get instant access to
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be viewed on Mac or PC. This document was developed
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Construction
time and labour resources
required to build a 3-CUBIC METER BIOGAS PLANT will vary depending on
several
factors. The most important consideration is the availability of people
interested in doing this project. The project may in many circumstances
be a
secondary or after-work project. This will of course increase the
length of
time needed to complete the project.