Biogas: from Production to Purification

Among renewable resources, biomass is the only renewable resource that can be transformed into all forms of energy. The anaerobic digestion of biomass resources provides the biogas renewable energy carrier. In addition of being renewable and adaptable to the environment, biogas also has socio-economic benefits, Because biomethane can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in the production of heat and electricity as well as auto fuel. In this paper an overview of the biogas production process from source to end user is reviewed. First, biomass and methods of energy extraction from it, biomass resource for biogas production and history of biogas production have been introduced generally. Then, in three separate sections, the stages of biogas production, the effective factor on biogas and Principles of biogas production technology including different types of anaerobic digester model with advantages and disadvantages, described. Finally, it examines how biogas is collected from digester and biogas treatment methods, including physical, chemical and biological treatment for direct use in the supply of thermal and electrical energy and as an option for use in internal combustion, micro turbines and fuel cells for power generation.