Abstract
Organic waste, as a main constituent of municipal solid waste, has as well as solid biomass a high potential for biogas generation. Despite the importance of biogas generation from these materials, the availability of large-scale biogas processes lacks behind the demand. A newly developed double-stage solid–liquid biogas process, consisting of an open hydrolysis stage and a fixed-bed methane reactor, allows the biogas production from almost all biodegradable solid waste and renewable resources like maize, grass, sugar cane, etc. Furthermore, residues from industrial processes, like the glycerine waste water from biodiesel production, can also be converted into biogas successfully. Due to the strong separation of hydrolysis and methanation, the process is extremely stable. No malfunction has been detected so far. The open hydrolysis releases CO2 and allows oxidation of sulfur. Consequently, the biogas has a high methane (>72%) and low H2S concentration (<100 ppm). Stirrers or other agitation equipment are not necessary; only liquids are pumped. The biogas generation becomes controllable for the first time; thus, the actual generation can be easily adapted to the consumption.
Similar content being viewed by others
Further Reading
Bischofsberger, W. et al. (2005). Anaerobtechnik. Springer: Berlin.
Busch, G., Sieber, M. (2006). Zweistufiges Fest-Flüssig-Biogasverfahren mit offener Hydrolyse—ein neues technologisches Konzept für die Biogasgewinnung aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen und bioverfügbaren Abfällen; Eigenverlag BTU Cottbus, Forum der Forschung, pp. 63–68, 19/2006
Fei-Baffoe B. (2006). Double stage dry-wet fermentation of unsorted municipal solid waste. Ph.D. thesis at BTU Cottbus.
Langhans, G. (2006). Die Schadstoffproblematik in Biogasanlagen. In: Anaerobe biologische Abfallbehandlung; Eigenverlag Forum vor Abfallwirtschaften und Altlasten e.V., pp. 75–92, Dresden.
Singh, A., & Ward, O. P. (2004). Biodegradation and bioremediation. Springer: Berlin.
Salkinoja, M. S. (1983). Starting-up of an anaerobic fixed film reactor. Water Science Technology, 15, 305–308.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Busch, G., Großmann, J., Sieber, M. et al. A New and Sound Technology for Biogas from Solid Waste and Biomass. Water Air Soil Pollut: Focus 9, 89–97 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11267-008-9195-5
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11267-008-9195-5