Manure contains a gas called methane.
As the world becomes more concerned with protecting the environment, a greater emphasis is being put on using methane, or biogas, for power. Methane is produced naturally from manure. Many farmers in North America and Europe have begun hooking gas generators to biodigesters in order to extract methane. Biodigesters extract methane through a process called anaerobic digestion. Microorganisms convert organic material to a form that other organisms use to create organic acids. Methane-producing anaerobic bacteria use these acids to complete the decomposition process.
Instructions
1. Stir the manure so it is well mixed.
2. Place the manure inside the biodigester.
3. Turn on the heat in the biodigester. Adjust the temperature to 100 degrees. This is the optimum temperature for bacteria in the manure to break down the manure and create methane.
4. Add water to the biodigester to moisten the manure and speed up the breakdown.
5. The gas rises to the top of the biodigester and collects there. The biodigester will turn off automatically when all the gas has been extracted.
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