Biogas

 

ChEA has taken the initiative to revamp the bio-gas plant in IIT Bombay. The details of the project are given below.
 

Details


Project Title: Revamping bio-gas plant at IIT Bombay

Synopsis: The existing 'gobar gas' plant at the staff canteen of IIT Bombay, a residential educational complex spread over 600 acres in Mumbai, India is to be revamped into a biogas plant utilizing food waste generated on the campus (from hostels as well as campus residents).

The plant, originally established in the 1980's for converting cattle dung into fuel which was utilized in the IC Engine laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Bombay, fell into disuse in the mid- 90's due to the retirement of the concerned faculty. At around the same time the Institute commissioned a vermiculture plant to dispose off the food waste generated on campus. However the vermiculture plant was commissioned for a capacity of 1tonne per month and did not take into account the increase in the number of students on campus. Today the waste generated from the entire campus amounts to 4-4.5 tons per month and is beyond the capacity of the vermiculture plant. The Public Health Office, in a bid to ensure hygienic disposal of the waste planned to revamp the disused 'gobar gas' plant near the staff canteen and establish a new biogas plant instead. Accordingly, "Enprotech Solutions" from Pune, India were called in to conduct an audit of the plant and comment on the changes to be incorporated in the design of the plant.

At around the same time, the students' organization of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChEA) were planning to undertake a similar project to familiarize the student body with the issue of conservation and to acquaint students with technical, hands-on experience on working with on an environmental project. Subsequently, the idea of revamping the biogas plant was mooted. The objectives of the student project are:

   1. To study and develop a model for the biogas plant
   2. To build the biogas plant in association with industry or a technical team and faculty
   3. To replicate the model in other areas wherever applicable

 
The fuel generated could be used in the canteen, thus reducing canteen costs or for street lighting.


For Queries please contact:

Manish Agarwal
+91 9987995858
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