Biogas Kitchens. Low Cost Biodigesters (I)

¿Do you know the Strengths to produce Biogas and natural Fertilizer from organic Waste?

Based on a excellent PDF of Jaime Martí, I will write some posts about biodigesters. Today I start with a list of Strenghts of low cost biodigesters for cooking:

Energy self-production

Biogas is mainly metane, much like the butane and propane gas sold in cylinders. Biogas can be used for cooking, lighting and heating. In large farms biogas can produce electricity through generators.

Increase of crop yields

The biol produced is a free natural fertilizer that improves crop yield by up to 30%. It can be poured directly onto the earth to stimulate seed growth or sprayed on leaves.

In the case of dairy cows, the use of fertilizer on forage crops like alfalfa, increases production and quality, reflected in higher milk production.

Family Health

Burning biogas for cooking does not produce smoke, thus there is no black soot that enters the lungs of women and children. This prevent respiratory diseases, eye irritation and other diseases.

Animal hygiene

By putting the manure in a biodigester, odours, foci of infection and flies will be eliminated. The decrease in fly population has a direct impact on cows, reducing mastitis.

Environment

If each family generates their own fuel for cooking there is no longer any need to cut down trees for firewood, thus reducing pressure on environment.

Workload and cost

Daily or weekly time spend by families to collect firewood, or the money spent on the purchase of fuel in the rainy season, is replaced by 20 minutes a day required for loading the biodigester with fresh manure and water.

Sustainable Technology

Since the technology used is simple, it is accessible to anyone and all materials are available locally. It is enough to follow a few simple instructions to set up a biodigester and understand the technology, daily operation, maintenance and repairs.

Low investment

The cost of a family digester for cooking depends on size and climate. It could cost around U$D 250 for cold climate or U$D 150 for tropical area. Investment cost are paid back in two to three years by saving fuel, time and improved crop production.

A low-cost digester is simple and accessible technology that has a positive effect on several aspects of family life, income and production. Though is not a solution to many problems, it is a resource that brings may significant improvements.

What is your experience? Can you comments the weaknesses of biodigestors? Your opinion is very appreciate!

LOW COST BIODIGESTER, Jaime Martí. Read complete PDF!

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