Biogas purification using water scrubber with variations of water flow rate and biogas pressure

Abstract

Biogas is a form of alternative energy which can be obtained from the anaerobic degradation process of organic materials. The presence of CO2 in biogas needs to be removed to increase its CH4 concentration, which simultaneously increasing its calorific value and biogas qualities. This study used the water scrubber method to absorb CO2 and separate it from the CH4 contained in biogas. The variables used are the biogas pressures of 2, 3, and 4 bar and water flow rates of 0.1 and 0.15 L/s with a contact time of 60 seconds. The results of this study showed that the greatest effectiveness in both CO2 removal of 99.5 percent and CH4 increase of 38.18 percent were obtained at biogas pressure of 4 bar and water flow rate of 0.15 L/s. The most effective results of CO2 biogas removal were obtained at greater biogas pressures and water flow rates.