Biogas Generator

1. With one or two partners, design a system which will demonstrate the production of biogas.

2. The design should allow for you to measure the volume of gas produced as well as collecting the gas. Also, you should be able to add more organic material and water as needed.

3. Use a clear container so the progress of decomposition can be observed.

4. Check your design with me before you begin construction.

5. Record the mass of organic waste and water added to create the biogas.

6. Record the volume of gas produced each day. Find a way to calculate a ratio between the amount of organic material added and the amount of biogas collected.

7. If the gas is being collected, vent the first 100-200 mL as it will be contaminated with oxygen and could result in an explosion.

8. ONLY UNDER SUPERVISION. Collect some gas in a balloon and pass it through a Bunsen burner flame to demonstrate its flammability.

9. Suggest some ways in which your design could be scaled up so that the generation of biogas could be economically and environmentally feasible for a municipality.