Powering Gram Panchayats: Harnessing Biogas with Indian Standards

BIS has published an Indian Standard IS 9478 : 2023 DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF BIOGAS (BIOMETHANE) PLANT — CODE OF PRACTICE which specifies the requirements for design, construction, installation and operation of small, medium and large sized biogas (biomethane) plants. It includes the classification of biogas plants on the basis of daily biogas production, included and excluded feedstocks for plant, plant performance parameters, different designs and materials for digesters and gas holders, and their construction.

This guideline helps gram panchayats build and use biogas plants, which turn organic waste into useful gas and fertilizer. It covers:

1. Types of biogas plants for different needs:

   • Small (up to 25 cubic meters per day)
   • Medium (25 to 2,500 cubic meters per day)
   • Large (more than 2,500 cubic meters per day)

2. Key parts of a biogas plant:

   • Digester
   • Gas storage unit
   • Inlet and outlet assembly
   • Mixing chamber
   • Gas distribution pipelines

3. Updates in the revised Indian Standards include:

   • New designs for biogas plants
   • Use of materials other than cow dung
   • Different construction materials
   • Better performance and efficiency
   • Uses for the by-products, like enhanced organic fertilizers

Biogas plants provide a sustainable energy source and produce valuable fertilizer, helping with energy and farming needs.