Biogas to Biomethane

Ryckebosch E, DrouiUon M, Vervaeren H (2011) Techniques for transformation of biogas to biomethane. Biomass Bioenergy 35 1633-1645... 

Kiich K, Augenstein A, Batmale J, Benemann J, Rutledge B, Stilour D (2005) Upgrading dairy biogas to biomethane and other fuels. In Andrews K (ed) Biomethane from dtiiry waste—a sourcebook for the production and use of renewable natural gas in Ctdifomia Clear Concepts, California, pp 47-69... 

Rasi S. Biogas composition and upgrading to biomethane [Doctoral thesis].Jyvaskyla, Finland University of Jyvaskyla, Department of Biological and Environmental Science 2009.76 p. 

In order to convert biogas into biomethane two major steps are performed (1) a cleaning process to remove the trace components and (2) an upgrading process to adjust the calorific value. Upgrading is generally performed in order to meet the standards for use as vehicle fuel or for injection in the natural gas grid [18]. 

Biogasification or biomethanization - The process of decomposing biomass with anaerobic bacteria to produce biogas. 

Both biomethane production paths complement one another in an ideal way. While the thermo-chemical route focuses on solid biofuels e.g. wood, straw) the bio-chemical route uses wet biomass e.g. animal manure, maize silage). The latter will be realized with plant capacities in the one-digit thermal MW-scale and the former in the two- to three-digit MW-scale. The provided product is basically similar and can be used together with natural gas in any mixture. The erection of the biogas and Bio-SNG conversion plants can be planned directly at the established gas grid. 

Business Ventures. British Gas has developed a method for the anaerobic digestion of fecal matter in a closed-loop system to recover biomethane gas for use in homes similar to that of natural gas. The treatment cycle takes 23 days and the biogas is being used in 130 homes in the United Kingdom county of Oxfordshire. 

After transformation, the final product is referred to as biomethane , typically containing 95-97 % CH4 and 1-3 % CO2. Biomethane can be used as an alternative for natural gas. In general, the type of end use of the biogas sets its quality demands [3]. 

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