EFICACIA DEL ESTIÉRCOL BOVINO COMO MATERIA PRIMA EN LA PRODUCCIÓN DE BIOGÁS

Abstract

The research on the use of cattle manure for biogas production was carried out between the months of October 2010 to March 2011. The research was run at the residual water treatment plan "Eng. Arturo Pazos." First, it was explored the different types of bio-digesters. By the analysis it was considered the polyethylene tubular bio-digester as the most appropriate one for the research. It was designed, constructed and run a bio-digester of 5,0 m long and 1,2 m diameter for a daily load of 18,9 kg of mixture (manure and water). It was projected a daily of biogas production of 0.61 m3; and it was found an overproduction of 0.37 m3 per day. Certain variables that influence the production of biogas such as temperature, content of solids, nutrients, carbon/nitrogen ratio and pH were analyzed. It was found that the above-mentioned variables influence the daily biogas production directly, so they should be monitored regularly. The process of anaerobic digestion occurring within a bio-digester leaves a bio-fertilizer as a residue. However, it cannot be considered as a bio-fertilizer, since it is poor in nutrient content. But still it is a natural source of nutrients for the soil.