Keywords

Biomass energy, Methane, Waste products as fuel

Abstract

The economic feasibility and energy effectiveness of producing pipeline quality methane gas from biomass was assessed for a new and totally unproven process. The biomass feedstock considered was the common aquatic weed water hyacinth and a novel active boom-winch harvesting system is proposed for its collection. The conversion process analyzed is a two stage biological process which utilizes a leaching-bed for the production of volatile acids and a packed-bed for the production of methane gas. In order to determine the feasibility of the proposed process equipment requirements, capital costs and operating/maintenance costs were developed for three system sizes. This data was analyzed using a life cycle cost model to determine pay back period. The results indicate that payoff period will be less than equipment life and that net energy production occurs. Areas where further research would promote the introduction of this technology are identified and discussed.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1983

Advisor

Bishop, Patricia J.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Engineering

Degree Program

Engineering

Format

PDF

Pages

132 p.

Language

English

Rights

Public Domain

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0014008

Accessibility Status

Searchable text

Included in

Engineering Commons

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