Make a Biogas Plant at Home With Cow Dung
Biogas is the natural product of bacterial digestion of organic wastes. It is 50 to 65 percent or more methane gas, which is a powerful greenhouse gas when released into the atmosphere, but burned as a fuel for cooking, heating or even running a generator, it is cleaner than gasoline or wood. Biogas can be made either aerobically (in contact with the air) or anaerobically in a sealed chamber, which is the more common approach as it makes collecting the gas simpler and avoids the unpleasant odor. A small-scale batch digester can be constructed for home use. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Insert the 12-inch pipe approximately halfway into the drum through the small hole and seal it tight. Spread sealing compound around the hole until it is airtight.
2. Attach the T-connector to the top of the 12-inch pipe, with the 8-inch pipe attached to the top end. Screw the shut-off valve onto the top of the 8-inch pipe, making sure all the connections are tightly sealed.
3. Attach a four- to five-foot length of plastic tubing to the side opening in the T-connector. Attach a length of plastic tubing long enough to reach the gas stove, heater or other appliance.
4. Remove the inner valve from the stem and connect the end of the plastic tube to it, sealing that connection with sealant.
5. Fill the drum with a slurry of two parts water to one part cow dung until the mixture is 8 to 10 inches from the top rim. Add the bacterial starter and stir the mixture with the broom handle. Cap the large hole tightly but do not use sealant, so it can be reopened when necessary.
Tags: 12-inch pipe, 8-inch pipe, Biogas Plant, Biogas Plant Home, Home With, Home With Dung, length plastic