Production of biogas and the associated factors: A guide for successful implementation of a biogas digester

In this current industrialized world, there is an unprecedented use of nonrenewable resources as a fuel and the time when we run out of all such energy sources is nearer than anticipated. The skyrocketing use of exhaustible resources has obliged us to seek replacements immediately. One such alternative in the scenario is biogas. It is a gas produced as a result of the anaerobic digestion of organic matter under controlled conditions. Our goal is to minimize organic waste by using it to produce biogas. This results in reduction of waste and at the same time generation of fuel; reducing the dependence on LPG. The biogas produced is renewable and is a sustainable approach towards climate change. The current review paper throws light on the subject matter quantities like the generation of biogas, the process involved in anaerobic digestion, factors affecting the process and optimization methods to obtain higher yield. Further, the types of digesters and the selection of most suitable and economical digester based on Indian climatic conditions have been included in the paper. In addition to that, an estimated calculation has been carried out to evaluate biogas yield based on the availability of food waste at the Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) Cafeteria and the changes that can be made in digester or slurry. The calculation was carried out as a part of a case study, where a small-scale digester was established and the conditions were maintained based on the study. A moisture content test gave an estimated proportion of volatile solids and a followed by a numerical methodology gave us an idea of total biogas yield.