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Design of Biogas Purification to Reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) And Hydrogen

Sulfide (H2S)

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Kardo Rajagukguk Arysca Wisnu

Sumatera Institut of Technology Institut Teknologi Sumatera
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Jurnal Teknik Mesin Universitas Bandar Lampung, Vol 7 No.1, Oktober 2019

DESIGN OF BIOGAS PURIFICATION TO REDUCE CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) AND

HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S)

Kardo Rajagukguk1), Arysca Wisnu Satria2)

1
Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Industrial and Production Technology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera
email: [email protected]
2
Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Industrial and Production Technology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera
email: [email protected]

Abstract
Biogas is a gas produced from decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in anaerobic conditions.
The problems that are mainly from the development of biogas technology are the high levels of H2S and CO2 in
biogas which become an obstacle in the application of biogas directly because it can lead to corrosive
components of energy conversion equipment (generator sets) and can reduce the heating value in biogas
combustion. The aim of the paper is to design a biogas purification device using Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)2,
Iron Oxide (Fe2O3), Zeolite, and Activated Carbon in the biogas which are designed according to the
characteristics of the biogas installation in Indonesia. From experimental results the percentage of methane gas
content increased from 52.5% to 90.2% after purification. Ca(OH)2 solution can be used for adsorbent to
increase methane gas levels and reduce CO2 levels in biogas. Fe2O3 iron powder can be used to reduce the
levels of H2S content in biogas so that it can increase methane gas content and is safe to use on generator
engines. Zeolite and Activated Carbon can increase methane gas levels and reduce the moisture content and
CO2 contained in the biogas so that when the biogas is applied to the generator engine. The power generated
in the generator engine using biogas fuel that has been purified is greater than that which has not been purified.

Keywords: Biogas Purification; Calsium Hydroxide Ca(OH)2 ;Hydrogen Sulfide (Fe2O3); Zeolite; Activated
Carbon

Hydrogen (H2), Nitrogen (N2), Carbon Monoxide

INTRODUCTION (CO), saturated or halogenated carbohydrates, and
One of the renewable energy sources derived Oxygen (O2). Biogas is very potential as a fuel
from biological natural resources that are being because of its high methane content which is around
developed in is biogas energy. Sources of raw 55-65%. In general, the content of the biogas is a
materials to produce biogas can be in the form of mixture of 50-70% methane (CH4), 30-40% of
livestock manure such as cattle, buffalo, pigs, horses carbon dioxide (CO2), 5-10% of hydrogen gas (H2)
and poultry, can also come from organic waste such and the rest of other gases such as ± 2% H2S. Biogas
as food waste, rotten fruit and rotten vegetables. has a weight of 20% lighter than air and has a
Currently there are many Indonesian people who combustion heat value of 4800-6200 kcal / m3. This
use biogas as an alternative energy source, value is slightly lower than the burning value of pure
especially in the area of cattle farmers. Biogas methane gas which reaches 8900 kcal /m3 [2].
produced by cattle farmers has great potential in Methane gas is the primary element and
Indonesia. On a national scale, the Lampung region becomes the main parameter in determining the
occupies the seventh position for the number of quality of biogas processing production. Biogas
dairy cattle population, so that there are also quite a produced from this digester can be used as fuel for
number of cattle breeding locations in each cooking, for lighting or for generating electricity
district/city (Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of with a generator set (generator). So far, new biogas
Indonesia, 2017). However, the use of biogas still is used for cooking, even though this fuel has the
needs to be improved because the technology is a potential to produce electricity with a generator set.
new thing in the community, even though biogas is If the biogas will be used to fuel the generator
an alternative energy source that is environmentally engine, the biogas must be purified first to remove
friendly, renewable, and can be used as an energy impurities so that the methane content increases.
source to drive electricity generators. Biogas is very The quality of biogas can be increased by several
potential as a fuel because of the methane content purifications, namely by removing impurity gases in
produced by microorganisms [1]. Theoretically the the biogas, especially reducing levels of hydrogen
content of biogas without purification resulting sulfur (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2), and
from anaerobic process consists of the main Particulate Matter (PM). Hydrogen sulfur (H2S)
elements in the form of methane (CH4) and carbon which is toxic and if inhaled can cause some
dioxide (CO2), and several other elements, such as problems in human health. H2S gas also causes
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Ammonia (NH3), corrosion in gas storage tanks, compressors and
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Jurnal Teknik Mesin Universitas Bandar Lampung, Vol 7 No.1, Oktober 2019

engines [3],[4]. Carbon dioxide (CO2) has properties from H2S gas impurities will result in a more
that can inhibit the process of biogas combustion complete combustion process and does not cause
which can reduce the rate of fire propagation caused corrosion damage to the heat exchanger components
by molecules of CO2 inhibiting collision reactions used. As for some methods that have been carried
between hydrocarbon molecules and air molecules. out for biogas purification process, there is still no
The main reasons for gas purification include biogas purification that combines adsorption and
the need to meet the requirements of equipment that absorption methods, and the existing materials and
uses gas fuel (engines, boilers, fuel cells, vehicles, construction are still relatively difficult to apply in
etc.); to increase the calorific value of the biogas and the area of biogas use in Indonesia. So that in this
to standardize the quality of biogas. So it is study a purification device is designed which can
important to show that the quality of the biogas work at one time to reduce the gas content of H2S
required depends heavily on application [5]. and CO2. In some of these methods, there is also no
Absorption can take place in two types of processes, biogas refining that combines the adsorption and
namely physical absorption and chemical absorption methods, and the existing materials and
absorption. Physical absorption is absorption where construction are still relatively difficult to apply to
the dissolved gas in the liquid absorbs without areas of biogas use in Indonesia. So that in this study
chemical reactions. Chemical absorption is biogas purification equipment was designed by
absorption where the dissolved gas in the absorbent using Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)2, Iron Oxide,
solution is accompanied by a chemical reaction. (Fe2O3), Zeolite, and Activated Carbon in biogas
Several methods have been carried out for the which was designed according to the characteristics
biogas purification process. Harasimowicz, et al of biogas installation in Indonesia. The raw
(2007) [6] used Polyimide membranes for materials used for biogas purification are relatively
enrichment of methane gas content N.Tippayawong, easy to obtain in most biogas users in Indonesia,
et al. (2010) [7] using a solution of Ca(OH)2, NaOH especially in Lampung province.
and MEA, to reduce CO2 and H2S and produce a
reduction in CO2 levels up to a value of 4 percent. MATERIAL AND METHODS
Another method is the reduction of CO2 and H2S by In this research on biogas uses experimental
using a mixture of white cement Zeolites [8]. The research methods. The object observed in this
biological oxidation method has also been carried research is the comparison of the composition of
out Montebello et al., (2012) [9] has succeeded in methane gas after purification using adsorbent
reducing H2S to 95%. Purification using the materials of Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)2, Iron
absorber method is more effective than the adsorber Oxide, (Fe2O3), Zeolite, and Activated Carbon.
process because of the greater gas contact with the Activation process was carried out by soaking the
solution compared to solids [10]. Biogas purification active carbon with 32% HCL solution during the
process can be done by various purification methods night and then washing it until its originality
including chemical absorption using Methyl disappeared (litmus paper color did not change).
diethanolamine (MDEA) solution to reduce CO2 After being washed, the activated carbon is then
gas [11], while H2S is eliminated by chemical heated (oven) at 110 °C for one hour. Whereas for
absorbs using Fe/EDTA catalyst, where H2S is zeolite carried out with the same procedure using
converted to Sulfur [10]. Biogas purification is also 98% H2SO4 solution. CO2 gas adsorption process is
carried out with a condensation system by using carried out in the first reactor which is the chemical
several media such as lime and NaOH to reduce CO2 adsorption process of gas-liquid contact. Biogas
gas [14]. Several methods have been carried out for from a gas holder that still contains CO2 is flowed
the biogas purification process, including the into a solution of Ca(OH)2. CO2 gas contact with
process of reactive absorption of H2S in biogas by Ca(OH)2 solution will produce CaCO3 deposits. For
using a Fe-EDTA catalyst solution which results in biogas purification process and collect the necessary
an H2S reduction efficiency of up to 80.63%. data, required tools as follows:
Another method is to reduce CO2 and H2S by using a. Absorber column: used to place the absorbent
activated carbon which results in a decrease in CO2 and pass the biogas to be purified
levels of 35.04% and an increase in CH4 of 34.01% b. Compressor: used to put pressure on the biogas
[13]. The purification method using CaO and water so that it can flow through the absorber column
scrubber has also been carried out and resulted in a c. Gas flow meter: used to measure biogas flow
reduction efficiency of 20.86% and an increase in d. Manometer: used to determine the pressure in
methane content to a concentration of about 65% the absorber and in the biogas storage tank
[15] e. Venoject: the tube used to place the sample to
In an effort to increase methane gas levels and be tested by gas chromatography.
reduce impurities, namely Carbon Dioxide (CO2) f. Spuit: an injection used to venoject, enter the
and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas so that it can be biogas sample into venoject and take a sample
used optimally on gasoline engines, biogas from venoject.
purification is very important to do. Purifying biogas
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Jurnal Teknik Mesin Universitas Bandar Lampung, Vol 7 No.1, Oktober 2019

g. Volt meter: used to measure the voltage researcher conducted a study by reducing the CO2
generated by the generator. and H2S impurity gas to increase the percentage of
h. Ampere meter: used to measure the electric methane gas in biogas.
current produced by a generator. To determine the effect of the use of absorbent
i. Gas Chromatography: used to determine the on the content of methane in the biogas, then testing
methane content in the biogas before and after with Gas Chromatography. From experimental
the purification process. results the methane content obtained on Table 1.
j. Gasoline generator 1300 watt: used for biogas The results of testing the methane content
testing after the purification process. contained in the biogas shows that by passing the
biogas through the absorber column it will cause the
This research is an experimental study with a methane content to increase compared to the biogas
sampling location in Karang Anyar which is a which the absorber column does not pass. The
biogas digester location owned by cattle farmers. increase in the methane content in the biogas
Samples taken before and after the purification produced depends on the absorbent used. The ability

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of biogas purification

process are tested for their gas composition with Gas of Ca(OH)2 solution to absorb CO2 because
Chromatography. The biogas flow capacity that Ca(OH)2 when mixed with water will form Ca+ and
enters the purification device is 0.004 m3/s; the 2OH- ions like equation (1). Whereas CO2 when
speed of the biogas flow through the purification reacting with water will produce H+ ions are
device is 0.32 m/s. The performance testing of the presented on equation (2). So that ion ions dissolved
generator engine is also done at the location where in H2O will react as in equations (3) and (4).
the sample is taken. Schematically the series of
testing tools in this study are shown on Fig.1. Ca(OH)2(s)→Ca2+ + 2OH- (1)
CO2(g) + H2O → H+(ag)+ HCO3-(ag) (2)
RESULT AND DISCUSSION HCO3-(ag)+ OH-(ag) ⇆ H2O(l)+ CO32- (3)
3.1 Methane Content Testing H+(ag) )+ OH-(ag) → H2O(l) (4)
The purification process is the process of
absorption of impurities in a compound that can Where for CO2 continuously flowed into a solution
disrupt a process and make it cleaner (pure). In this of Ca(OH)2 subs reaction, then it will continue to
study biogas is an alternative gas substitute for fossil absorb CO2 which leads to a decrease OH-. So the
fuels, the biggest component in biogas itself is results of the overall reaction are shown on equation
methane (CH4), this methane content is needed in the (5).
process of using alternative fuel sources. But not all
the contents in the biogas are CH4, there are still Ca(OH)2(s)+ CO2(g) → CaCO3(ag)+ H2O(l) (5)
many other gas impurities that can interfere with the
combustion process when used later. In this case the
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Jurnal Teknik Mesin Universitas Bandar Lampung, Vol 7 No.1, Oktober 2019

The increase in methane content in the biogas

100
after the absorber column has been passed above is 90
caused by the absorption of other gases contained in 80
the biogas, this can be seen on Fig.2. The content of

Methane ( %)
70
carbon dioxide will react with a solution of calcium 60
hydroxide so that the percentage will decrease in the 50
biogas, as a result the percentage of methane gas will 40
30
increase.
20
10
Table 1. Test results of methane gas (CH4) in 0
biogas Without Adsorben Adsorben Adsorben Adsorben
Percentage of Adsorben Ca(OH)2 Ca(OH)2 Ca(OH)2, Ca(OH)2,
and Fe2O3 Fe2O3 and Fe2O3,
Type of absorbent Methane Zeolite Zeolite and
(CH4) (%) Aktived
Without Absorbance 52.5 Carbon
Adsorbent Ca(OH)2 75,8
Adsorbent Ca(OH)2 and Fe2O3 82,5 which the absorber column did not pass. It is
Adsorbent Ca(OH)2, Fe2O3 87,3 possible that gases containing odors are absorbed in
and Zeolite the absorbent used.
Adsorbent Ca(OH)2 , Fe2O3, 90,2
Zeolite and Activated Carbon
Fig. 2. Percentage of methane gas content from
each adsorbent
One of the considerations that can be developed
to remove H2S gas from biogas is to consider the use
of the absorption reaction by grams or iron powder 3.2 Performance of Generator Engine with
flakes. With this reaction hydrogen sulfide will be Adsorbent Variations
absorbed into iron (III) hydroxide Fe (OH)3 known
as bog iron ore or absorbed into iron (III) oxide To determine the effect of passing the biogas
Fe2O3). Using this dry process H2S is converted to through the absorber column if the biogas is used as
iron (III) hydroxide or iron (III) oxide and water fuel for the generator, the power produced by the
based on reactions 6 and 7: generator is tested. From the testing of the power
produced by the generator, the following results are
2Fe(OH)3 + 3H2S → Fe2S3 + 6H2O (6) obtained:
Fe2O3 + 3H2S→ Fe2S3 + 3H2O (7)
Table 2. Generator Engine Power Testing
Results
When the absorber column is filled with Calcium Electrical Electric Electrical
Type of
Hydroxide and Fe2O3 iron powder it is proven that Voltage Current Power
absorbent
the methane gas content in the biogas increases. This (Volt) (Ampere) (Watt)
can happen because Fe2O3 iron powder has reacted Without
170 1.0 170
with H2S contained in the biogas when the biogas purification
flows through the purification device. Iron and iron Biogas
powder can be used as an effective material to purify Purification
using absorbent
biogas from H2S gas impurities. By using Ca(OH)2, 200 1.5 300
desulfurizer the biogas can be upgraded to zero Fe2O3, Zeolite
content of H2S impurities that lead to avoid and Activated
increasing acidity [16] of the lubricant therefore the Carbon
corrosion in the combustion chamber can be
avoided. From the results of testing the generator
Increased methane gas content is also shown in performance as indicated by the voltage, current and
the biogas passed from the absorber column which electrical power produced by the generator with
contains Zeolites. This can happen because the biogas fuel above, it is known that both the voltage
activated Zeolite stone is able to absorb impurity and current produced by the generator is the
gases present in biogas. difference between the biogas which is passed the
With more and more gases absorbed, the content absorber column with biogas which the absorber
of methane in biogas will increase. From the column does not pass. This difference in voltage and
observations besides obtaining data on increasing electric current will automatically affect the
levels of methane after the biogas was passed the electrical power produced.
absorber column, the smell of biogas after exiting The electrical power generated by the biogas fuel
the absorber column was also not like the biogas generator that is passed by the absorber column is
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Jurnal Teknik Mesin Universitas Bandar Lampung, Vol 7 No.1, Oktober 2019

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