SYNOPSIS

Major composition of biogas is 55% methane (CH4); 35% carbon dioxide (CO2); 5% N2; balance are of H2; O2; H2S.

CH4 is over 20 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO2.  CH4 is commonly produced through anaerobic digestion of organic material. In this process, bacteria in an oxygen deprived environment break down organic material into a mixture of gases, water, and a solid effluent.

Among the available organic waste, palm oil mill effluent (POME) contents highest organic load in term of COD and BOD5, this is average 70,000 ppm and 32,000 ppm respectively. Organic load of human waste are 1100 ppm COD & 500 ppm BOD5.

This paper will focus on:-
i)    The Environmental impact of biogas emission from a POME
ii)    The processes biogas capturing from POME on both liquid line and gas line.
iii)    Various utilization of the upgraded biogas as fuel gas will be presented too.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Ir. Wan Wai Thong graduated with a Bachelor in Engineering Hons.  Agriculture in 1993 and he managed to complete the 3 years of Reserve Officer Training Unit  in 1992 before graduated as an engineer.

Obtained his 2nd grade steam engineer in 1995 and 1st grade steam engineer in 1997. In 1996, he obtained his Diploma in Palm Oil Milling and management offered by PORIM. He had worked in power plant in MNI in Mentakab, Pahang as shift manager for 6 over years. Experienced in operation and maintenance of high pressure and temperature power plant, study and monitor  boiler efficiency and related machineries. He further his engineering quest by obtaining Professional Engineer certification by Board of Engineer Malaysia (BEM) in year 2011 and is a member of Institute of Engineer Malaysia (IEM). Experienced in managing engineering works for 2 years in Sabah. Expert in mechanical problem solving and with strong leadership skill. Proficient in English, Malay and Chinese and Cantonese has significantly increased the communication and integration speed with those working under him. Well trained in safety , technical skills, knowledge and love to share experience and knowledge with those working under or  together with him. At present, he  works  as a technical director in one of palm oil milling company in Malaysia.

Monitoring operation of  2 palm oil mills, upgrading of mills and managing company projects such  biomass and biogas power plant.