In search of energy production alternatives that are environmentally appropriate the MBF has been developing a Bio-digestor project in the area of the Mbaracayu Forest Biosphere Reserve since December 2003, with the support of Peace Corps Volunteers, and the MBF’s environmental educators.
The project consists in obtaining bio-gas, produced through a metabolic process of organic material decomposition without the presence of oxygen. The project’s objective consists in educating the communities living in the Biosphere Reserve on the importance of using renewable energy through methane capture (a gas), helping the recuperation of the environment by diminishing the use of firewood and other non-renewable fuel sources.
FUNCTIONING
The system, proven to have ideal productivity levels, functions in experimentally since July 2005, in a home located in the September 11 Community, district of Villa Ygatimi, in the Canindeyu Department.
This installation functions as a model for the communities; the biogas is produced in a cylinder bag of polythene, of 12 meters of length, placed in a pit with an in-out hole. It is filled once per day with 20 kilograms of cow manure, and mixed with approximately 80 liters of water, which greatly depends on the length of the bio-digester.
MAINTENANCE
Taking into consideration the production process of gas (through fermentation), the bio-digestor needs cleaning on the sides of the bag, and should be installed under shadow, so that the deposit or the bag is not easily destroyed because of drying due to the effects of the sun.
REFILL:
The mixture must be cleaned so that thorns, pieces of wood, and other sharp materials are not introduced, that could ultimately damage the bag. Generally clean or rain water is mixed –used water is inadequate– and manipulation of chemical products cannot be done nearby so that microorganisms are not affected, being careful with cattle vaccination that generates refill material (sanitation).
BENEFITS
Currently, using biogas has the following advantages:
