Name: Advantages and Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 5 min 44 s
Description: In this module, we will refresh our knowledge of fossil fuels. We will also learn about the various advantages and disadvantages of the excessive use of foss...

Question

What is biomass? Explain the principle and working of a biogas plant using a labelled schematic diagram.

Accepted Answer

Biomass is organic matter obtained from living or recently living organisms, such as crop residue, animal waste, forest debris, municipal solid waste etc. Biomass contains $75 %$ of carbon along with other molecules such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen.

Bio-gas is produced in a plant as shown in the figure. The plant has a dome-like structure built with bricks. A slurry of cow-dung and water is made in the mixing tank from where it is fed into the digester. The digester is a sealed chamber in which there is no oxygen. Anaerobic micro-organisms that do not require oxygen decompose or break down complex compounds of the cow-dung slurry. It takes a few days for the decomposition process to be complete and generate gases like methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide. The bio-gas is stored in the gas tank above the digester from which they are drawn through pipes for use. Bio-gas is an excellent fuel as it contains up to 75% methane. It burns without smoke, leaves no residue like ash in wood, charcoal and coal burning. Its heating capacity is high. Bio-gas is also used for lighting. The slurry left behind is removed periodically and used as excellent manure, rich in nitrogen and phosphorous. The large-scale utilisation of bio-waste and sewage material provides a safe and efficient method of waste-disposal besides supplying energy and manure.

What is biomass? Explain the principle and working of a biogas plant using a labelled schematic diagram.

Important Questions on Sources of Energy

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