Traditionally, manures (livestock residues or pig slurry, chicken manure, etc.) have been used as agricultural fertilizers due to their high content of organic matter and mineral nutrients. However, with the increase and modernization of intensive livestock farms has meant an overproduction of organic waste that can no longer be managed following traditional practices.The production in large farms and in huge quantities hinders its application as organic fertilizers. There is a very high risk of inadequate application, with the consequent environmental and health effects.
The manure of cattle, cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, etc.. It has a high content of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, etc.. and it is ideal for its use in biodigesters for the production of biogas.
Animal manure | (t/day) | Biogas (m3/day) | Power (ekW) |
Pig | 100 | 2,500 | 229 |
Dairy cattle | 100 | 2,000 | 183 |
Chicken | 100 | 10,000* | 850 |
* valid for Aqualimpia digester with own tecnhology.
Electricity generated by manure-based biogas reduces the GHG emission significantly. A German case study calculated a reduction about 1.45 kg CO2/ekWh generated power due to the improved manure management and the substitution of the German electricity mix. The reduction of methane emissions can be one cost-effective measure to decrease the negative impact of climate change.
Biodigestor built by AQUALIMPIA Engineering in "Hacienda San Ramón" a dairy cattle ranch in El Salvador, in the year 2014/2015. The manure produced by 1200 dairy cattles is used in a 3,500 m3 biodigester. The digester includes a feed tank with a stirring system, a covered lagoon digester, a 1200 m3 discharge lagoon, a 200 m2 sludge drying yard and a machine house with a German MAN generator of 300 kW. The electricity is injected into the national electricity grid.