An Introduction to Biomethane and Its Production Process

1. An Introduction to Biomethane and Its Production Process **************************************************************** Biomethane is a term we often hear when the conversation revolves around renewable natural gasses. It is produced through solid biomass gasification or anaerobic digestion, after which it is upgraded (purified) using a biogas upgradation system, wherein carbon dioxide and other impurities are removed. However, these processes are unknown to the general public. Thus, this blog aims to uncover the different production processes for methane generation, i.e., biomethane. So, continue reading. Production Processes of Biomethane Anaerobic Digestion Anaerobic digestion refers to a set of biological processes wherein microorganisms break organic matter like wastewater biosolids, animal manure, food wastes, etc., in the absence of O2 (Oxygen). The process of anaerobic digestion starts with bacterial hydrolysis of biodegradable materials to separate insoluble organic polymers like carbohydrates and make them accessible to more bacteria. Amino acids and sugars are converted into ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and organic acids. Following this conversion, acetogenic bacteria work to convert the obtained organic acids to acetic acid alongside additional hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Lastly, methanogens convert these acids into carbon dioxide and methane.

2. One of this process's most popular outcomes is biogas, which is further used to generate heat and electricity. In addition, the biogas purification system can purify biomethane for further use. Biomass Gasification It refers to the thermochemical conversion of biomass to syngas (gaseous fuels) under several atmospheres like oxygen, air, and steam. Biomass gasification occurs in the presence of gasifying agents that interact with solid char and hydrocarbons to transform them into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The syngas (a mixture of several gasses including hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane) heat content depends on the type of gasifying agent. The syngas is then purified to reduce the presence of water, carbon dioxide, and more unwanted components in the methanation process. Power to Methane P2M, an acronym for Power to Methane process, refers to storing sustainable electricity surpluses in the gaseous form i.e., methane. The entire P2M system runs on the basis of the Biological Hydrogen Methanation (BHM) process that uses carbon dioxide from biogas upgradation and hydrogen from an alkaline electrolyzer. Coming back to the P2M process, it uses surplus electricity for electrolysis, wherein H2O is broken to form H2. Simultaneously, CO2 is obtained from biogas, bioethanol production, flue gas, or ambient air, which is further utilized for the methanation of H2. Based on the carbon dioxide source, the derived methane is either a renewable fuel of non-biological origin, biofuel, or a recycled carbon fuel, all of which have greenhouse gas emission advantages over fossil methane. Wrapping Up The production of biomethane is rightly described as “best from waste” as it benefits industries and the environment. Its composition is similar to that of natural gas. As a result, there is a wide possibility of using biomethane, AKA RNG, as fuel in vehicles, CHP plants, stoves, and industrial activities involving the gas grid. Source: https://biogasplant.weebly.com/blog/an-introduction-to-biomethane-and-its- production-process Follow Us: Website | Facebook | YouTube |Twitter | LinkedIn Visit Us: C-1- 39/3B & 39/8B, Phase 3 GIDC Naroda, Near Nana Chiloda Circle, Ahmedabad Gujarat 382330 Contact Us: +91-6358768268 | palaash@atmospower.in