Disadvantages of Biogas: Overview, Questions, Preparation

For centuries, humans are using wood as fuel for domestic and industrial purposes. We all know that the wood‘s concentrations include carbon, sulfur, chlorine, silicon, and water. The concentration of carbon is very low compared to other impure elements like silicon, sulfur, and chlorine. Large smoke and ashes occur when lighting the wood. Biomass acts similar to wood. Cow dungs are also used as a medium to light fire.

The decomposition of biomass (organic matter) anaerobically produces a mixture of gases known as biogas. It includes methane and carbon dioxide among other gases like hydrogen sulfide. Organic matter refers to manure, crop residue, animal waste, and other organic solid waste of living organisms.

Biomass is organic matter. It is obtained from the waste of living organisms. Animal waste, crop residue, debris, garbage, sewage, manure, municipal solid waste, etc., are all biomass examples. The concentrations of biomass include 75 % carbon mixed with nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. The rest 25% include alkali metals and other heavy metals.

It is around a dome-like structure made up of bricks and cement used for the fermentation of biomass. All the organic matter is mixed together in the round dome structure and then fermented for a few days. The digester is locked and sealed properly. Through the pipe attached to the digester, gases are extracted.

The disadvantages of biogas are listed below:

1. Impure particles – One of the most important disadvantages of biogas is that it includes impure particles that are difficult to sustain even after purification rounds.
2. Corrosion – When biogas is compressed for the sole purpose of fuel, it leaves behind a dark corrosive container.
3. Hazardous – biogas can be hazardous. When methane and oxygen contact each other, it produces carbon dioxide, which is violently dangerous inside the container. It can cause massive explosions because methane gas is highly inflammable.
4. Efficiency – Biogas is considered less efficient because it cannot be produced on a large scale. It is difficult to make the biogas more efficient. No new technology is used in the production of biogas.
5. Temperature – The temperature of biogas is changed due to weather changes. The optimal temperature is 37°C. this temperature changes in the cold weather and affect the biogas production
6. Technology – biogas production opts for the traditional method. No new technological advancement is undertaken to increase the process of biogas.

Disadvantages of Biogas in Class 10

The chapter 'Energy' in Class 10 holds a weightage of only 3 marks. It includes 3 objective types of the question of 1 mark each.

Example 1) State one application of biogas.

Answer – It can be used for electricity generation.

Example 2) State the concentrations of biomass.

Answer – Biogas’ components include municipal waste, cow dung, manure, wet waste, crop residue, and other living organisms’ waste.

Example 3) Write one advantage of biogas.

Answer – Biogas is eco -friendly and is a renewable energy source.

Q: What is biomass?

Q: What gases occur during the process of biogas?

Q: What is the time frame for the production of biogas?

Q: What is the basic use of biogas?

Q: Is biogas safer than CNG?