Effect of Biogas Flow Rate in Carbon Dioxide Purification Process with Pumice Adsorber

Abstract

Biogas is an alternative energy solution that could be a replacement for fossil fuels energy cheap and environmentally friendly. The composition of biogas is CH₄, CO₂, N₂, H₂, O₂ and H₂S. CH₄ is the main element in the biogas which has a high calorific value. In addition to the indispensable CH₄ there is also a CO₂ content that actually interfere with or damage. If this element is present in biogas, it will disturb the combustion process itself. Therefore, it takes effort to reduce levels of CO₂ are expected to raise the quality of biogas. The study was conducted to reduce levels of CO₂ in the biogas using absorbent pumice sludge. The method used in this study is true experiment that is taking into account variations in the flow rate of biogas (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 l/min) were passed through the absorbent. Next will be examined levels of CO₂ absorbed and CH₄ using gascromatography method. Results of research have shown that the greater the biogas flow rate passing through the absorbent pumice sludge then CO₂ gas levels decline with an average decrease of 14.38%, but contrary to methane gas levels rose an average of 11.79 % for each time the changes of biogas flow rate.