When looking at ways to improve the environmental impact of pig production, renewable energy generation is a popular topic. One such technology, gasification, is a series of chemical reactions (see image at bottom) that involve heating a suitable organic material in a controlled, low-oxygen environment to the point that the hydrocarbons (simple organic compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon) are converted to synthesis gas (‘syngas’). Syngas is composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with smaller amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, all of which can be collected and utilized for heat and energy generation.
This manure treatment technology also produces mineral-rich bio-char and ash. Since this bio-char is less bulky than raw manure (and contains most, if not all, of the nutrients) it is much easier to handle and more cost effective to transport long distances. This can be beneficial in areas where nutrients are becoming concentrated on crop fields and contributing to water quality problems. The use of bio-char as a topically applied soil amendment is currently being explored for its potential at reducing ionization and thus aiding in the retention of nutrients by impeding chemical transformations and volatilization.
Many different organic materials can be used in gasification; wood, plant residues, certain types of manufacturing or household waste, and manure, among other biomass sources. Standard gasification systems utilizes materials that are dry (not pump-able) like beef feedlot manure, poultry litter, or manure that has undergone solids separation. Pig or dairy cattle manure tends to be a wet material and either require drying or a system designed to handle materials like these – wet gasification systems. Related: Different types of manure gasification systems.
For more information:
- An Introduction to Manure-Based Energy
- A research project looking at conversion of pig manure or algae biomass into energy via gasification
- Case study of a poultry farm utilizing gasification
- Archived webcast on Thermal Conversion of Animal Manure to Biofuel
- An extensive look at energy and nutrient recovery from swine manure
Image above provided by Dr. Samy Sadaka, University of Arkansas
Authors: Rick Fields, University of Arkansas and Jill Heemstra, University of Nebraska jheemstra@unl.edu
Acknowledgements
This information is part of the program “Integrated Resource Management Tool to Mitigate the Carbon Footprint of Swine Produced In the U.S.,” and is supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2011-68002-30208 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Project website.