Compressing Homemade Methane

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steamhammer Participant Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 1	Compressing Homemade Methane 07/31/2014 6:18 PM
	I'm looking for some advice pertaining to compressing methane. I would like to build a biodigester and collect the methane using an air compressor and a propane tank. My main concern is whether or not a standard air compressor is safe enough to move methane. It will only run in small bursts so im not too worried about anything overheating.
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SolarEagle Guru Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: by the beach in Florida Posts: 33119 Good Answers: 1800	#1 Re: Compressing homemade methane 07/31/2014 6:53 PM
	Here's one in action.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzSiL3h2pUU Blurb... http://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/methane-gas-energy-generator-zmaz75mazgoe.aspx#axzz395YdAerC mmmmm.... http://www.mckenziecorp.com/tip13.htm There are certain safety requirements....remember the gas is explosive... __________________ All living things seek to control their own destiny....this is the purpose of life
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Kevin LaPaire Guru Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Canada but south of 49 Posts: 895 Good Answers: 20	#5 In reply to #1 Re: Compressing homemade methane 08/05/2014 8:44 AM
	And, you have to watch for other constituents in the gas that is produced. the methane that comes from anaerobic digestion is not always "pure" methane, there are many other byproducts, in particular H2S is produced, an acid that will eat away any steel components of a compressor, not to mention the amount of water vapor that is produced as well, another natural oxidizer. In our pilot plant I ended up with a stainless water separator, one that I found designed for oil field and refinery use, but we never got as far as compressing the gas. One easy way to store it is just using a bladder. __________________ Never stop learning
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PWSlack Guru Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing, in the nation formerly known as Great Britain. Kettle's on. Posts: 31908 Good Answers: 835	#2 Re: Compressing homemade methane 08/01/2014 3:38 AM
	The biggest problem with using an air compressor is the electrical connection to the motor, which will not be certified for use in the potentially explosive atmosphere that will surround it should anything leak. Ignoring this makes one very unpopular with fire insurance companies and it is important that one doesn't become a candidate for the Darwin Awards. __________________ "Did you get my e-mail?" - "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place" - George Bernard Shaw, 1856
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Obrock Participant Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 4	#3 Re: Compressing Homemade Methane 08/01/2014 10:32 PM
	Take care Methane mixture with air is very dangerous and explosive. And you can't smell its pesence.
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welderman Guru Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1601 Good Answers: 58	#4 Re: Compressing Homemade Methane 08/02/2014 7:06 AM
	Bio-digesting horse manure was popular on farms 100 years ago, and commercial units are readily available. See (www.naturesfurnace.com). Many of these commercial units also caused fires, so proceed with caution. Remember, "she was only a stableman's daughter, but all the horsemenuer".
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