BIOMETHANATION PLANT BASED ON CATTLE DUNG AT HAEBOWAL, LUHIANA, PUNJAB

BACKGROUND

In Ludhiana until the mid 70's dairies were spread all over the city and operations were an indirect cause of health and environmental problems. Subsequently, all such dairies were shifted to two dairy complexes (one at the east end and the other at the west end) at the outskirts of the city. One such location is the Heabowal dairy complex which is spread over an area of 50 acres. It has 1490 dairies with an animal population of about 10.50.000 and generates about 2500 tonnes per day of animal wastes (droppings). Although about 20-30% of the waste is collected for the manufacture of dung cakes,. A good portion of it is dumped in the open spaces in the dairy complex. The remaining wastes are flushed into the drains which are discharged to the canal and ultimately to the Sutlej River. These disposal practices lead to the deterioration of the environment (air and water both) and have adverse impact on health and hygiene at the local levels besides emission of green house gases (GHG) to the atmosphere.

In order to reduce GHG emissions and to prevent improper disposal of the wastes, a demonstration facility to treat 235 tonnes of animal waste was set up in the dairy complex for generation of one MW of electricity and 47 tonnes / day of stabilized organic manure.

TECHNOLOGY INVOLVED

Biologically Induced Mixing Arrangement (BIMA) technology has been used for Anaerobic Digestion.

WASTE ARRANGEMENT, BIOGAS AND MANURE UTILIZATION

Cattle waste collection is done through a contractor. Biogas is used to generate power, which is being sold to the state utility. The nutrient rich manure is sold to farmers.

MATERIAL BALANCE

Material Balance calculation of the plant for a feed of 235 tonnes / day of raw waste is as under:

ENERGY BALANCE

MANPOWER REQUIREMENT FOR PLANT

COST ECONOMICS

Total cost of the project is Rs. 13.366 crore. 50% has been borne by PEDA and the rest by NBB/MNES, GOI as grant. It is expected to be economically viable at the electricity rate fixed by State Electricity Board and the revenue to be generated from manure disposal.

BENEFITS ACHIEVED

• Reduction in emission of greenhouse gases.
  
• Emissions of GHG before and after setting up the plant is as follows:
  
• Without Plant : 1200.753 kg CO2 - C equivalent / hr
  
• With Plant : 201.354 kg CO2 - C equivalent / hr

Waste - to -Energy conversation plant has resulted into 80 % reduction in emission of GHG.

• Employment Generation: Waste to energy conversion plant is providing employment to about 100 persons for the collection of cattle waste.
  
• Revenue earned: Through sale of electricity and digested manure
  
• Waste Management/ Cleanliness: Provides a sound means of waste recycling and the project is environmental friendly.

OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES AND TROUBLE SHOOTING

Problem of wearing out of Screw Presses, and choking of Feed Pump have been experienced, but after modifications, these are now running satisfactorily.