Tracer Gas Method Evaluation for Assessing the Energy Potential of Biogas from Chicken Farms in the Canary Islands

María Asensio-Ramos (), Gladys V. Melián, Eleazar Padrón, Pedro A. Hernández, Nemesio M. Pérez and José Luis Peraza Cano
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María Asensio-Ramos: Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN), 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
Gladys V. Melián: Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN), 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
Eleazar Padrón: Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN), 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
Pedro A. Hernández: Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN), 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
Nemesio M. Pérez: Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN), 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
José Luis Peraza Cano: Independent Researcher, 38900 Valverde, Spain

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-14

Abstract: Biodigestion in farming and agriculture offers environmental and economic benefits, but investing in biodigesters carries real-world risks for enterprises. This study analyzes methane (CH 4 ) emissions from a poultry farm biodigester in Tenerife Island, Canary Islands, Spain, conceptualized as a right-angled prism measuring 45 m wide, 25 m long, and 12 m tall, with an internal volume of approximately 13,500 m 3 . Using a Neon tracer gas technique, CH 4 emission rates were quantified in situ during two surveys in February 2021 and October 2022, capturing seasonal variability in ambient conditions. Biogas analysis was performed using a portable micro-gas chromatograph in less than 5 min, revealing stable CH 4 production rates of approximately 200 kg·d −1 (~310 m 3 ·d −1 ) and 330 kg·d −1 (~500 m 3 ·d −1 ) for the two experiments, respectively. The composition of biogas indicated CH 4 concentrations of around 38–43%, with the remaining composition consisting of carbon dioxide (19–26%), nitrogen (36–27%), oxygen (7–4%), and trace amounts of other gases. A comparison with a theoretical model showed a good correlation. This approach enhances biodigester investment attractiveness by enabling enterprises to optimize efficiency promptly. The obtained data were used to estimate the energy potential of biogas from chicken farms in the Canary Islands.

Keywords: biodigester; biogas; poultry manure; methane; neon; tracer gas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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