Deep Green Crystals: Anerobic digesters for fun and profit

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March 3, 2008

Anerobic digesters for fun and profit

So I have a way of figuring out if i am interested in a technology quite quickly. I use it. Or make one. I call it "eating the dogfood". When I got interested in biodiesel, one of the first things I did was whip up a batch in my kitchen and buy a diesel car. Recently I have been pitched alot of anerobic digester deals. So I wondered, "how hard would it be to make one myself?". Turns out they are quite simple. RE-Energy.ca has a whole gaggle of downloadable science projects designed for teachers to use with kids. They have a good backgrounder on biomass energy and i downloaded the Biogas Generator Construction plans to build one with my daughter Finn. Of course the most attractive part of the project for Finn and her friend Elsa was the "poop" part.
Here is a picture of the finished item:

For storage of the gas you use a mylar balloon. I found one that is a Harley. Storing methane in a harley Cool eh?

The only modification i made to the plans was to use 1/4 OD fittings and screw type connectors from a plumbing supply store instead of 1/4 ID fittings with barb fittings. Barb fittings are old school. The screws are modern and easier to use. I also put a short piece of tube on the down part of the T instead of putting the fitting directly into the cork. Just for fun.