Biogas Resource Assesment: Analysis of temperature and pH factors to ensure efficient biogas production using pineapple waste

Authors

Doblado Sierra, Oswaldo

Santos Ramírez, Jorge

Reyes Duke, Alicia María

Abstract

Biogas is an alternative that has gained strength in recent years due to its environmental impact, by means of biodigesters using organic waste capable of generating clean energy. It is important to know how temperature affects pH measurements. Therefore, a comparison was made between two types of biodigesters, one subway and one above ground, in order to determine the most appropriate for pH and temperature control. During the analysis period, as the temperature increased, the pH decreased, due to the fact that molecular vibrations increase when the temperature rises; likewise, when the temperature decreased, the pH increased. Each solution underwent a change in its pH value through changes in temperature. If we get differences in pH measurements at different temperatures, it does not mean that an error is being made. The new pH level mark indicates the actual pH of that solution at that specific temperature. For the purposes of this research, through the analysis of the two types of biodigesters, it was determined that the subway biodigester guarantees stable temperature ranges, thus maintaining moderate pH results. After determining that the subway biodigester was the best option due to its stability, a design adapted to the needs of a subway biodigester was developed, as well as a monitoring system that takes care of the variables temperature, pH and methane gas measurement. An agitation system was also implemented to maintain the heat inside the digester stable so that the methanogenic bacteria can act correctly to generate biogas. As a result of the analysis, it was obtained that biogas production was possible with the use of pineapple waste as a primary resource. With the proposed biodigestion system, it could be implemented in any home. Applying direct use of the gas generated for self-consumption in households that apply this method, a way to give a correct use to pineapple waste.