Question

What is biomass? Explain the working of a biogas plant using a schematic diagram. What are some advantages of biomass? (5 marks)

Answer 1

Fuels which are basically plant and animal product are called biomass. Example : Wood, Cow dung cakes etc. Cow-dung, various plant materials like the residue after harvesting the crops, vegetable waste and sewage are decomposed in the absence of oxygen to give bio-gas. Since the starting material is mainly cow-dung, it is popularly known as ‘gobar-gas’. (2 marks)

(Schematic diagram - 2 marks)

Advantages of biogas:

Biogas burns without smoke. It leaves no residue like ash in wood, charcoal and coal burning. High heat capacity. The slurry left behind is used as a manure. (1 mark)