Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a biogas production system and particularly to a system for improving biogas production using lime.
Description of Related Art
[002] Biogas production systems harness organic materials to generate biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, serving as a sustainable and clean source of energy. The feedstock, derived from organic waste like agricultural remnants, food scraps, animal manure, and sewage sludge, undergoes anaerobic digestion in the biogas production process. However, the presence of pollutants in the feedstock can impede microbial activity responsible for biogas production, leading to decreased biogas quality.
[003] Polluted feedstock introduces substances that hinder microbial activity crucial for an efficient biogas production. This not only affects a quality of the biogas but also accelerates an equipment corrosion and a wear, requiring frequent maintenance and component replacements within the biogas production system.
[004] To mitigate the adverse effects of polluted feedstock on biogas production, it is vital to upgrade and purify the gas produced. Addressing impurities like hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), siloxanes, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through additional treatment steps is essential. These impurities can corrode equipment, decrease energy efficiency, and escalate operational costs. Carbon dioxide (CO2) content in biogas also diminishes its energy content and heating value, affecting combustion efficiency during its utilization for heating or power generation.
[005] High levels of H2S in biogas pose operational challenges, causing odors, corrosion of pipes and engines, and necessitating costly gas-cleaning processes. Excess moisture in biogas leads to combustion issues, reduced energy content, and the formation of condensation in gas pipelines and equipment. Despite these challenges, biogas production systems significantly contribute to sustainable energy generation, waste management, and environmental protection. However, some gas treatment processes aimed at enhancing biogas quality consume additional energy, impacting the overall energy balance of the system. Siloxanes from organic materials can enter biogas and cause engine damage, requiring regular maintenance and additional cleaning.
[006] There is thus a need for an improved system and a method for improving the biogas production that can administer the abovementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a system for improving biogas production using lime. The system comprising: a digester adapted to receive a combination of a cow dung and a ground organic liquid feedstock to perform an anaerobic digestion. A lime is added to enhance the biogas production in a proportion of 0.5 percentage (%) by weight of the ground organic liquid feedstock. The system further comprising: a levelling tube connected to the digester. The system further comprising: a measuring jar marked with units and arranged in an inverted position in a plastic tub having water, wherein the measuring jar collects the produced biogas from the digester through the levelling tube, and enables a user to evaluate the gas production based on detecting a decrease in a water level within the measuring jar using the marked units.
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for improving the biogas production. The method includes steps of introducing a mixture of a cow dung, and a ground organic liquid feedstock into a digestor; adding a lime into the digester; connecting a levelling tube from the digester to a measuring jar; placing the measuring jar in an inverted position in a plastic tub; collecting the produced biogas from the digester through the levelling tube into the measuring jar; allowing the digester to operate to facilitate an anaerobic digestion of the feedstock and biogas production; and evaluating the gas production based on detecting a decrease in a water level within the measuring jar using marked units.
[009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages depending on configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for improving biogas production using lime.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for improving biogas production using lime that is inexpensive.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for improving biogas production using lime that increases energy efficiency.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for improving biogas production using lime that enriches biogas.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for improving the biogas production that is easily operable.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for improving the biogas production that controls moisture and removes impurities.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for improving the biogas production that is ecofriendly.
[0016] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0017] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible by utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram depicting a system for improving biogas production using lime, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for improving biogas production using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0023] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0024] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram depicting a system 100 for improving biogas production using lime, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may be configured to enhance the biogas production in anaerobic digestion processes by incorporating a lime into a a mixture of a cow dung and a ground organic liquid feedstock. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise a digester 102, a levelling tube, a measuring jar 106, and a plastic tub 108.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the digester 102 may be adapted to receive the mixture of the cow dung and the ground organic liquid feedstock to perform an anaerobic digestion. The amount of the cow dung may range from 5 percentage (%) to 10 percentage (%) by weight of the mixture, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the ground organic liquid may be in a range from 65% to 85%. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ground organic liquid may be 75%. In an embodiment of the present invention, the ground organic liquid feedstock may be selected from a source such as, but not limited to, a food waste, an animal waste, an agricultural waste, a water, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the source to obtain the ground organic liquid feedstock, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lime in a proportion may be added to enhance the biogas production in the digester 102. The proportion of lime may be in range from 0.2% to 0.6% by weight of the ground organic liquid feedstock. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the proportion of lime may be 0.5% by weight of the ground organic liquid feedstock. The lime may be in a form of a quicklime (calcium oxide), a hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), or any other suitable form that facilitates the enhancement of biogas production in the digester 102. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form of the lime, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The lime may be obtained from a source that may be, but not limited to, natural limestone deposits, limestone quarries, calcium carbonate deposits, or industrial processes that may produce the calcium oxide or the calcium hydroxide. The source may also include a recycled lime or a lime derived from waste products, provided it meets the required specifications for enhancing biogas production in the digester 102. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any source of the lime, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the digester 102 may be operated for a period of time ranging from 20 days to 30 days to facilitate an anaerobic digestion of the feedstock and biogas production. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operable period of time for the digester 102 may be 30 days. In an embodiment of the present invention, the digester 102 may be operated at a controlled temperature in a range from 30 degrees Celsius (°C) to 37 degrees Celsius (°C). In an embodiment of the present invention, the digester 102 may be in a shape such as, but not limited to, a cylindrical, an egg shape, a cubical, a conical, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the digester 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the digester 102 may be, but not limited to, cans, an industrial digester, a small-scale biogas digester, and so forth, Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the digester 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, a capacity of the digester 102 may be in a range from 10 litres to 1000 liters. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capacity of the digester 102 may be 20 litres. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any capacity of the digester 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the levelling tube 104 connected from each of the digester 102 to the measuring jar 106 may be adapted to collect the produced biogas from the digester 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the levelling tube 104 may comprise a sealant to prevent an air or water leakage. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealant may be, but not limited to, an acrylic system, a silicone, a urethane, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealant may be a M type sealant. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sealant to prevent leakage from the lavelling tubes 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the measuring jar 106 may be a jar to hold to the produced biogas. The measuring jar 106 may be marked with units for evaluating the production of the biogas. The marked units may be in millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), or any other appropriate metric units for accurate measurement and assessment of biogas production. The markings on the measuring jar 106 allow for precise monitoring and quantification of the biogas generated during the biogas production process.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plastic tub 108 may be adapted to hold the measuring jar 106 in an inverted position such that a water remains present in the measuring jar 106 and the plastic tub 108 to hold the collected gas. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plastic tub 108 may be, but not limited to, a tray, a bucket, a container, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the plastic tub 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may enable a user to evaluate a quality of the produced biogas using a testing apparatus (not shown). In an embodiment of the present invention, the testing apparatus may comprise a gas sensor (not shown) to evaluate a methane content, a Hydrogen sulphide content in the collected samples, and so forth. In an embodiment of the present invention, the testing apparatus may further be connected to a moisture sensor (not shown) to evaluate a moisture content in the produced biogas.
[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be capable of producing the biogas of an optimum quality such as the produced biogas may exhibit a Hydrogen sulphide content of less than 100 parts per million (ppm). In another embodiment of the present invention, the produced biogas may exhibit a moisture content of less than 10% by weight.
[0036] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for improving the biogas production using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] At step 202, the mixture of cow dung and ground organic liquid feedstock may be introduced into the digester 102.
[0038] At step 204, the lime may be added to the digester 102 in the proportion of 0.5% by weight of the ground organic liquid feedstock.
[0039] At step 206, the levelling tube 104 may be connected from the digester 102 to the measuring jar 106.
[0040] At step 208, the measuring jar 106 may be placed in the inverted position in the plastic tub 108 for ensuring water is filled in the measuring jar 106 and the plastic tub 108 for holding gas.
[0041] At step 210, the system 100 may enable collection of the produced biogas from the digester 102 through the levelling tube 104 into the measuring jar 106.
[0042] At step 212, the digester 102 may be allowed to operate for the period of time ranging from 20 days to 30 days to facilitate the anaerobic digestion of the feedstock and the biogas production.
[0043] At step 214, the produced biogas may be evaluated by the user based on detecting the decrease in the water level within the measuring jar 106 using the marked units.
[0044] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for improving a biogas production using lime, the system (100) comprising:
a digester (102) adapted to receive a combination of a cow dung and a ground organic liquid feedstock to perform an anaerobic digestion, characterized in that a lime is added to enhance the biogas production in a proportion of 0.5 percentage (%) by weight of the ground organic liquid feedstock;
a levelling tube (104) connected to the digester (102); and
a measuring jar (106) marked with units and arranged in an inverted position in a plastic tub (108) having water, wherein the measuring jar (106) collects the produced biogas from the digester (102) through the levelling tube (104), and enables a user to evaluate the gas production based on detecting a decrease in a water level within the measuring jar 106 using the marked units.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ground organic liquid feedstock is selected from a food waste, an animal waste, an agricultural waste, a water, and/or a combination thereof.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the levelling tube (104) comprises a M-type sealant to prevent an air and/or water leakage.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digester (102) is operated at a controlled temperature within a range of 30 degrees Celsius (°C) to 37 degrees Celsius (°C).
5. A method (200) for improving the biogas production, comprising the steps of:
introducing a mixture of a cow dung, and a ground organic liquid feedstock into a digestor (102);
adding a lime into the digester (102);
connecting a levelling tube (104) from the digester (102) to a measuring jar (106);
placing the measuring jar (106) in an inverted position in a plastic tub (108);
collecting the produced biogas from the digester (102) through the levelling tube (104) into the measuring jar (106);
allowing the digester to operate to facilitate an anaerobic digestion of the feedstock and biogas production; and
evaluating the gas production based on detecting a decrease in a water level within the measuring jar (106) using marked units.
6. The method (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the digester (102) operates at a controlled temperature within a range of 30 degrees Celsius (°C) to 37 degrees Celsius (°C).
7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein an amount of the cow dung ranges from 5 percentage (%) to 10 percentage (%) by weight of the mixture.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lime added to the mixture is in a proportion of 0.5 percentage (%) by weight of the ground organic liquid feedstock.

Date: October 09, 2023
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant