Biogas potential of swine manure of different animal classes

Abstract

ABSTRACT In regions with developed animal husbandry, there is a problem of utilization of animal waste, which could be used as raw material for biogas production. In Russia most of the stations are designed and built by foreign companies taking into account generalized data on the properties of substrate. The particular characteristics of the local raw materials and substrates are not considered in the design process. Subsequently, this factor negatively affects the efficiency of biogas plants. In order to solve the problem, it is necessary to study the biogas potential of local substrates. The novelty of this work is to identify the peculiarities of pig manure as a substrate for biogas production depending on the classes of animals and the place of origin of raw materials. The goal of the present study of biogas potential of swine manure of different classes of animals (pregnant sows, lactating sows, piglets, fattening pigs) in Belgorod region of Russia. The experiment was carried out in small-scale batch reactors with the volume of 0.3 L each. Specific biogas yield from pig manure of different classes of animals ranged from 76.73 ± 11.77 to 151.42 ± 20.18 mn 3/t оDM, methane content – from 29.79 to 66.88%. In general, pig manure showed low biogas productivity. The highest rates were achieved at manure of sows. Taking into account the developed industry of pig breeding, biogas technologies, however, are the most optimal option of liquid manure utilization for the Belgorod region of Russia and are promising for many regions of the world with intensive animal breeding. When designing biogas plants, the specifics of local substrates should be taken into account.