The effect of biomass moisture on the intensity of the fermentation process in biogas production

Interest in alternative fuels is increasing every year. This is due to several objective reasons: the growing shortage of traditional organic fuels, environmental aspects of the use of natural energy sources, and the requirements of existing energy conservation programs. For livestock enterprises, biotechnologies by anaerobic waste processing are advisable. As a waste of agricultural raw materials used based on biogas production technology, studies were conducted aimed at different biomass compositions to control the moisture content and regulate humidity for high methane yield in biogas. The fermentation period in the experimental setup was maintained for at least 25 days, with a one-time filling of the methane tank with a mass of 2 tons of fresh manure, while the outside air temperature was over 20 °C and higher. Experimental studies were aimed at increasing the fermentation time, increasing the CH4 content in the total volume of the released gas, reducing the CO2 content, and improving the quality of the biogas produced. The residence time in the biomass reactor was selected depending on the fermentation temperature and the composition of the raw materials. The tests were carried out in the methane tanks in both periodic and continuous modes. The main emphasis in the research was placed on the choice of measurement methods for optimal control of the technological process of biogas collection and based on the selected methods, a primary measuring converter was established, and its operability in the structure of the measuring device was ensured, a digital secondary measuring device was synthesized that measures and registers signals from the sensor. The synthesized moisture meter mainly aims to regulate the moisture content and optimize it when obtaining methane from biogas contained in waste during fermentation. The experimental moisture meter was used as part of the testing device tested. A mathematical model of a moisture meter has been created, and its metrological characteristics developed. The designed measuring device was experimentally tested and used as an automated biogas plant.