Biogas from Waste and Renewable Resources

Dieter Deublein is a professor at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, leading applied research and development in the field of biology and biogas production in close collaboration witht the industry. Prior to this, he gained his broad and profound knowledge, especially in process engineering, during 12 years of experience in industry, leading worldwide construction projects for industrial plants processing natural substances. Professor Deublein has many practice-oriented publications sharing his practical experiences and 10 patent applications to his name. Angelika Steinhauser studied biotechnology at the Munich University of Technology - Weihenstephan - and has been leading projects in research and development in a large multinational company for the past five years. Driven by her strong interest in the potential for biogas production, especially in Asia, she has been gathering information in her current hometown of Singapore on existing plants and current practices in emerging and developed markets so as to understand future opportunities. She has included her knowledge and investigations in this book.

Introduction
- Development of world energy consumption
- Current global use and potential of biogas
Biogas
- Main biogas components
- Side components: ammonia, hydrogen sulfide
- Main biogas substrates
Biochemistry and Microbiology
- Biogas evolving reactions
- Biogas producing bacteria
- Bioreactors
Safety and Legal Aspects
- Legal regulations
- Fire and explosion hazard
- Microbial safety
- Feasability studies
Biogas Plant Design
- Preprocessing of raw materials
- Bioreactors for simple fermentation
- Bioreactors for dry raw materials
- Bioreactors for low energy raw materials
- Bioreactors for mixed raw materials
Biogas Use
- Collection and storage
- Gas processing
- Generation of electricity and heat
- Biogas as supplement to natural gas
- Biogas as automotive fuel
Environmental Considerations
- Solid waste
- Wastewater
Appendices
- General scheme and business model of a biogas plant
- List of suppliers