9.1 Common Methods of Biogas Formation

Methane is the main constituent (63%) of the biogas. (The other major constituent is carbon dioxide = 30%.) It is known by various names such as biofuel, sewerage gas, Klar gas, sludge gas, will-o-the wisp of marsh lands, fool’s fire, gobar gas, bio-energy and even fuel of the future. Biogas is often used for cooking and lighting purposes in the rural sector. It burns with a blue flame without smoke and is without odor..

Biogas is formed under anaerobic conditions when organic materials are converted into gases (fuel) and organic fertilizer (sludge) through microbial reactions .

Similarly, fuel oil is produced from domestic wastes, agricultural wastes, forestry wastes, etc. by the process of pyrolysis (destructive distillation or decomposition of organic wastes in anaerobic conditions at high temperatures).

Table of Contents

9.0 - Introduction
9.1 Common Methods of Biogas Formation
9.2 Raw Materials and Substrates
9.3 Producer Gas
9.4 Methane
9.5 Plants as Sources of Hydrocarbons

Chapter 10