Produtores usam vacas para produzir gás caseiro!

Summary

This video explores a biodigester system gaining popularity in Santa Catarina, Brazil, which transforms cow manure into biogas. The system helps small dairy farms reduce production costs by providing cooking gas and hot water while also generating nutrient-rich fertilizer for pastures. The system is simple to maintain, cost-effective, and sustainable, with a return on investment in less than five years. It offers significant savings by eliminating the need for gas cylinders and firewood. The biogas produced also helps improve soil quality, boosting productivity and solving environmental challenges for the farm.

Takeaways

• 😀 The biodigester system in Santa Catarina turns cow manure into biogas, which helps reduce milk production costs and provides an eco-friendly waste solution.
• 😀 The system provides a sustainable solution for small milk producers, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
• 😀 Cow manure is collected, mixed with water, and directed to the biodigester where it is transformed into cooking gas.
• 😀 The waste generated by the system can be used as fertilizer for pastures, improving the feed for the animals.
• 😀 The biodigester system can pay for itself in less than five years, making it a viable investment for small farms.
• 😀 Proper management of the system is essential for its efficiency, with the manure being stored and processed in specific tanks.
• 😀 The system requires periodic cleaning of tanks, and the manure is monitored for the correct consistency to ensure proper fermentation.
• 😀 Safety precautions, such as protective barriers and caution with potential gas explosions, are important when using the biodigester.
• 😀 The gas produced is used for various purposes, including heating water, cooking, and even reducing reliance on firewood or external gas supplies.
• 😀 The system also helps improve soil quality by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, with composted manure enriching the fields.
• 😀 The system's overall maintenance is manageable, and it leads to significant savings on gas and firewood consumption for the farm.
• 😀 The biodigester system offers a low-cost alternative to traditional methods of waste disposal and energy production, making it an ideal solution for small rural properties.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the biodigester system used on the Boxe family property?

The biodigester system transforms cow manure into biogas, which can be used for cooking, heating water, and other household needs. It also produces compost that can be used as fertilizer, thereby reducing production costs and improving sustainability on the farm.

How does the biodigester work in terms of manure processing?

After milking, the cow manure is mixed with water and sent to a specially designed gutter that leads to a sand box. The mixture is then fed into the biodigester, where it is processed to produce biogas. The system uses gravity to ensure proper mixing and homogenization, and the manure remains in the biodigester for fermentation.

What are the benefits of using the biogas produced by the biodigester system?

The biogas produced can replace traditional cooking gas, providing energy for cooking, heating water, and sanitizing equipment, reducing the reliance on gas cylinders and firewood. It also helps the family save on energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable farming operation.

How does the biodigester improve sustainability on the farm?

The biodigester reduces waste by converting cow manure into usable energy (biogas) and compost. It lowers production costs by eliminating the need for gas cylinders, reduces the use of firewood, and provides a rich nutrient source for fertilizing pastures, improving soil quality and productivity.

What is the role of the sand box in the biodigester system?

The sand box acts as a settling area where solid particles like sand, gravel, and silage are decanted before the manure mixture is sent to the biodigester. It helps ensure the manure is adequately processed and prevents blockages in the system.

How long does it take for the biodigester system to start producing biogas after installation?

Biogas production begins about 15 days after the biodigester system is fully installed and operational.

What safety measures are taken to prevent accidents with the biodigester system?

The system is designed with protective measures such as closed tanks and secure areas to prevent animals and people from falling in. Additionally, safety measures are emphasized when handling biogas, which is flammable, and proper care is taken when lighting the system to avoid accidents.

What are some of the challenges associated with using the biodigester system?

Challenges include managing the accumulation of manure residue, handling humidity in the system that may cause issues with biogas production, and ensuring proper maintenance of the system to avoid blockages or inefficiencies. Producers need to be vigilant in managing the system to maintain optimal performance.

How does the biogas system compare to traditional energy sources in the household?

The biogas system eliminates the need for traditional energy sources like gas cylinders and firewood, which are commonly used for cooking and heating in rural areas. It is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as it reduces reliance on external fuel sources and helps lower energy expenses.

How does the use of biogas affect farm operations and costs in the long term?

In the long term, the biodigester system pays for itself in less than five years. It significantly reduces fuel costs for cooking and heating, eliminates the need for wood chopping, and provides free, organic fertilizer for pastures. This leads to long-term savings and improved farm sustainability.