utilization of Bio-Gas from solid waste -- needs editing

Concept Note

This concept note is to discuss some technicalities and implementation problems in respect of utilization of Bio-Gas generated from solid waste.

Background :- As per the provisions of Solid Waste Management Act, 2000, it is binding on the Municipal Authorities to make necessary arrangements for proper scientific disposal of the solid waste generated and collected in the Municipal area. Bio digestion is one available technique in such disposal. BARC and some other institutions have been working on various aspects involved in the construction of a proper size digester. Today’s picture in Maharashtra is that BARC has experimented at 49 sites throughout Maharashtra and out of these 49 sites on 18 sites captive consumption of the Bio-Gas so generated was made possible either for domestic kitchen or else. (e.g. Ashram Shala of Rahata Municipality or for pumping operations etc.). However on 31 sites no such consumption of Bio-Gas has been worked out and the biogas is flared up. Total estimated amount of flared gas would be 180 Kg/per day.

Thus Bio-Gas is being burnt at the production sites itself. This is a huge wastage of costly fuel. It also creates continuous high temperature and heat in surrounding region which leads to high level of environmental pollution.
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Technological possibilities - There are 3 possible solutions to above said problem out of which first two require technological intervention-
A. Generation of Electricity
B. Ballooning the gas and selling it at a different location
C. Creating opportunities for local (in-situ) consumption of the gas.
A. Generation of Electricity – Generation of electricity from Bio Gas is a cost effective and clean process. However if the electricity so generated has to be transmitted for the purpose of putting it into remotely located grid then the cost involved is high. Although estimates are available to predict as to how much power will be generated at each place of gas production, not much study has been done to estimate the cost of transmitting this power to the nearest Grid. This will vary from location to location. It is necessary to give the responsibility of this study to some dedicated agency working in this field. Alternatively if the power so generated can find some local captive use for domestic or commercial operations e.g. for lighting at the Kachara Dumping Site or pumping, then the cost economies will remain viable, but still needs to be studied. Data collection is recommended for this.

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B. Ballooning the gas – Special rubber balloons are available in which bio-gas can be filled without too much technical difficulty. The balloon material is not yet leak-proof for methane gas. Normally the entire gas can leak out in 70-80 hours. Leakage of this methane gas is harmful to the environment. If the gas can be utilised quickly in 4-6 hours then the damage due to leakage is negligible. Such a quick consumption of the balloon gas is possible in hotel etc. However, it will involve some initial experimentation regarding the proper mode of transportation and proper mode of storage at the place of utilisation. Perhaps some platform may have to be erected at the site of utilisation as well as on the transportation vehicle so that the balloon remains safely anchored. The gas filled balloons can also be utilised by farmers needing pumping of water.
In both these situations the concern Municipal authorities will need to give permissions for utilisation of Bio gas by such outsider agencies which undertakes to balloon the gas and find customers and market for the gas. Municipal authorities will also have to take precautions for ensuring the proper care during transportation and actual utilisation of the gas within 4 to 6 hours.
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Vide this office letter dated 20th May 2008 YASHADA has been requested to organise a workshop to discuss this entire issue. This concept note is meant for initiating the discussion on the technological aspect. Another concept note regarding involvement of rag pickers for the purpose of turning them from workers to entrepreneurs will be sent separately.
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