Science and Technology-Based Farm on Biogas Digester for Rural Development

Abstract

The study (project) focused on the construction of a Biogas Digester at the farm of the Magsasaka Syientista, Mr. Maximo Rabanal, in Brgy. Pantay Daya, Vigan City. The objective ofthe study was to showcase the use of biogas using wastes of swine. An eight cubic meter digester was designed and constructed to contain the wastes produced by 15 to 20 swine. It has a dimension of 3 m (depth) x 2 m x 2 m. Inlet and outlet ofliquid wastes are positioned 2.75 m from the floor. Fresh waste and water receptacle were constructed with dimensions measuring 60.96 cm x 60.96 cm, with a depth of 45.72 cm. The wastes are drained through the digester and degraded into methane and other gases. The gases are trapped by a gate valve outside the chamber. Sediments are collected from the bottom and air dried organic fertilizer. Effluents from the digester are directed to a second receptacle with a volume of 1.34 cubic meter that will supply the needed organic fertilizer. An amount of P 83,266.00 was needed in the construction of a one unit biogas. Financial analysis showed that to be able to compensate the expenses spent for the construction of the biogas project, a 6.52 years payback period is computed. However, if the owner is to venture into a business such as bagnet production, a lesser payback period is computed (1.89 years). This is a PCARRD (Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development) Funded Project.