Abstract: Factors Influencing the Biogas Production from Coal

Different mixed cultures of methanogenic bacteria isolated from different sources were used to produce biogas from coal samples under laboratory conditions. The treatment was carried out in anaerobic reactors containing water suspensions of finally ground coal. Essential nutrients, mainly sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, were added to the suspensions to stimulate the growth and activity of the microbial communities. The influence of some factors such as the size of the coal particles, chemical composition of the leach solution, pulp density, pH and temperature of the coal suspensions and stirring rate in the reactors on biogas production was established.

These data will be used in the future to arrange a pilot-scale unit for biogas production from coal. This unit will be involved also a system for cleanup of the produced biogas as well as systems for treatment of the process waste waters and for storage of the solid residues.  

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90940©1997 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid