Biogas from Waste and Renewable Resources: Preface

Rising crude oil prices force us to think about alternative energy sources. Of the different technologies, solar energy is considered the most effective, and can even afford the environmental protection of plants. Many visionaries think that rather biomass will probably convert the solar energy best and will replace all fossil energy resources in the future.

In the last decades, many companies have erected biogas plants worldwide. A lot of experience was gained, leading to a continuous process optimization of anaerobic fermentation and the development of new and more efficient applica­tions. Overall, the basic knowledge of biogas production, the microorganisms involved, and the biochemical processes was widely extended.

This knowledge and the new ideas have now been put together as a basis for the initiation of discussions. Since the technological solutions of technical prob­lems in the fields of anaerobic digestion are tending to vary according to the material treated, e.g., waste water, sewage sludge, or agricultural products, some­times without any good reason, this book is hoped to contribute to the consolida­tion of knowledge in the different fields, so that learning can be accessed more easily and applications can be harmonized.

The book includes detailed descriptions of all the process steps to be followed during the production of biogas, from the preparation of the suitable substrate to the use of biogas, the end product. Each individual stage is assessed and discussed in depth, taking the different aspects like application and potential into account. Biological, chemical, and engineering processes are detailed in the same way as apparatus, automatic control, and energy or safety engineering. With the help of this book, both laymen and experts should be able to learn or refresh their knowl­edge, which is presented concisely, simply, and clearly, with many illustrations. The book can also be used for reference, and includes many tables and a large index. It is strongly recommended to planners and operators of biogas plants, as it gives good advice on how to maximize the potential of the plant.

Originally I collected data and information about biogas plants just out of curios­ity. I wanted to know all the details in order to comprehensively teach my students at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich. For five years I surfed the internet and read many books, patents, and magazines, and also approached many companies and manufacturers of plant components, who kindly shared their  knowledge with me. Dipl.-Ing. Angelika Steinhauser gave me invaluable assis­tance in the writing, but the main inspiration to publish all the know-how con­tained in this book was due to Dipl.-Ing. Steffen Steinhauser. We, the authors, thank him cordially for it. We also thank Dr. F. Weinreich from the publishing house WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co KGaA, who supported this idea. Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife and my son. Without their continuous motivation and very active support this book would never have been completed.

Deggendorf January 2008                                                  Dieter Deublein

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