MSW to CBG projects
Collection of Municipal Waste
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is collected
systematically from various sources such as households,
commercial establishments, and markets. This involves
deploying collection vehicles, bins, and tools for efficient
waste gathering. The waste is typically transported to a
centralized facility where further segregation and
processing begin. Proper collection ensures minimal
contamination and maximizes the recovery of organic material
suitable for conversion to CBG.
Shredding
Shredding involves mechanically cutting and reducing
the size of organic waste to ensure uniformity. This step
increases the surface area of the waste, enhancing microbial
efficiency during the anaerobic digestion process. Shredding
also helps in separating non-biodegradable contaminants such
as plastics or metals.
Pre-Treatment and Humidification
In this step, the shredded organic waste undergoes
additional processing to remove residual impurities like
sand, glass, or stones. Humidification adjusts the moisture
content of the waste to optimal levels required for
microbial activity in anaerobic digestion. Proper
pre-treatment ensures higher biogas yields and minimizes
operational disruptions.
Anaerobic Digestion
In anaerobic digestion, the pre-treated and humidified
waste is fed into a sealed anaerobic digester. In the
absence of oxygen, microorganisms break down the organic
material into simpler compounds, primarily producing biogas
(a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide) and digestate (a
nutrient-rich byproduct).
Biogas Production
The biogas generated during anaerobic digestion is
collected from the digester. This raw biogas contains
impurities such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), moisture, and
carbon dioxide (CO₂). It is subsequently purified to meet
quality standards, transforming it into high-methane-content
compressed biogas (CBG) for fuel use.
Biogas Purification
The raw biogas produced during anaerobic digestion
contains impurities such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen
sulfide (H₂S), water vapor, and trace gases. These
impurities are removed through a purification process
involving technologies like water scrubbing, pressure swing
adsorption (PSA), or membrane separation. The goal is to
increase the methane concentration to 90% or higher,
ensuring the gas meets the standards for Compressed Biogas
(CBG).
Compressed Biogas (CBG) Distribution and Usage
The CBG is distributed to end-users through various
channels, including gas pipelines, refueling stations, or
cylinder transport. It serves as a sustainable alternative
fuel for vehicles, industrial applications, and domestic
cooking. Additionally, CBG's low carbon footprint
contributes to environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.