Review on Optimization Production and Upgrading Biogas Through CO₂ Removal Using Various Techniques

• Published in: Applied biochemistry and biotechnology 2014-02, Vol.172 (4), p.1909-1928
• Main Authors: Andriani, Dian, Wresta, Arini, Atmaja, Tinton Dwi, Saepudin, Aep
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: absorption; adsorption; ammonia; Anaerobic digestion; Biochemistry; Biofuel production; Biofuels; Biogas; Biological and medical sciences; Bioreactors; Biotechnology; Carbon dioxide; Carbon Dioxide - metabolism; Carbon dioxide removal; Carbon monoxide; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Energy; Energy sources; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hydrogen sulfide; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; methane; Natural gas; nitrogen; Optimization techniques; oxygen; Renewable energy; Renewable resources; siloxanes; Water vapor
• ISSN: 0273-2289; 1559-0291
• DOI: 10.1007/s12010-013-0652-x

Biogas from anaerobic digestion of organic materials is a renewable energy resource that consists mainly of CH₄ and CO₂. Trace components that are often present in biogas are water vapor, hydrogen sulfide, siloxanes, hydrocarbons, ammonia, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen. Considering the biogas is a clean and renewable form of energy that could well substitute the conventional source of energy (fossil fuels), the optimization of this type of energy becomes substantial. Various optimization techniques in biogas production process had been developed, including pretreatment, biotechnological approaches, co-digestion as well as the use of serial digester. For some application, the certain purity degree of biogas is needed. The presence of CO₂ and other trace components in biogas could affect engine performance adversely. Reducing CO₂ content will significantly upgrade the quality of biogas and enhancing the calorific value. Upgrading is generally performed in order to meet the standards for use as vehicle fuel or for injection in the natural gas grid. Different methods for biogas upgrading are used. They differ in functioning, the necessary quality conditions of the incoming gas, and the efficiency. Biogas can be purified from CO₂ using pressure swing adsorption, membrane separation, physical or chemical CO₂ absorption. This paper reviews the various techniques, which could be used to optimize the biogas production as well as to upgrade the biogas quality.