(634g) Biogas: Sludge to Biogas

Energy conservation has become a major case in all energy related industry, because of the rising demand and shrinking reserves of energy.

Sludge, a precipitated solid matter gotten from the treatment of waste water can be further treated to generate a gas (sludge gas). This is a type of biogas which is produced from the anaerobic digestion of the organic substance sludge, which can serve as a superior alternative to composting such type of biomass. The biogas consists of about 60-70% of methane and 30-40% of carbon dioxide. This composition makes it highly suitable for combustion in gas engines to generate thermal energy for heating the sludge, offsetting other heating requirements, and generating electricity.

The treated water from the plant can also serve as a make-up water for the boiler to generate steam for SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) and non-SAGD applications.

Besides its economic advantages, it also has a lesser impact on the environment and helps to conserve valuable resources.