A Review on Optimization Production and Upgrading Biogas Through CO sub(2) 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
• 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 CH sub(4) and CO sub(2). 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 CO sub(2) and other trace components in biogas could affect engine performance adversely. Reducing CO sub(2) 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 CO sub(2) using pressure swing adsorption, membrane separation, physical or chemical CO sub(2) absorption. This paper reviews the various techniques, which could be used to optimize the biogas production as well as to upgrade the biogas quality.