Track: Energy
Abstract
The objective of this study was to increase biogas production from abattoir/slaughterhouse waste and hence minimize pollution from slaughterhouses by optimum bio-digestion of available slaughterhouse waste, which is largely underutilized while enabling generation of sufficient electricity for slaughterhouse use and export of the excess. The study targeted Nyongara, which has biodigester and Kiamaiko slaughterhouse which does not have a bio-digester. Biodegradable slaughterhouse waste was quantified for the two slaughterhouses. Data obtained indicated that the Nyongara slaughterhouse has the potential of generating 4000.6kgs of solid waste per day while the Kiamaiko slaughterhouse generate an approximate amount of 6000kgs per day. A performance review was done for an operating biogas plant at Nyongara slaughterhouse analyzed to get a general overview of the process. The study showed that out of about 4,000.6kgs of slaughterhouse waste produced, the biogas plant can only process 300kgs per day, which is a paltry 7.5% utilization. The study recommends increase in the digester size to 666.66m3, with extra features such as a heating system in order to achieve the optimum temperature of 37°C, and incorporates an agitator for effective mixing of the substrate in the digester and biomethanation to increase the value of biogas and generate an additional revenue stream for slaughterhouses besides increased power generation for export to the grid. This study demonstrates the potential of slaughterhouses to generate grid electricity besides meeting own electricity and heat needs and play an important role in the energy transition from fossil fuel dominated energy mix to a green and low carbon sources for grid electricity