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Very slow methane production

(Click to enlarge photo)

This was my first attempt at a larger methane producer. I have looked at a lot of information on the Web and realise that it can require much equipment to maximise production. As usual, I was looking for the simplest, cheapest way possible to achieve a result.

My idea was to mimic nature. Instead of one fairly small, efficient methane producer with heaters and controllers etc, it seemed to me that many containers buried under-ground at a constant 7 degrees C might produce enough gas. Although production would be very slow, if all of the containers were piped together perhaps there would be enough methane simply because of the bulk of material under-ground.

The slow rate of production also justified digging the holes as each container might continue to slowly produce methane from one growing season to the next thus, only requiring the containers to be re-filled once a year when there is an abundance of grass and other biological matter available. The test I did seemed favourable, although the old water-butt sealed at the top with a piece of plastic-coated steel was not ideal. Putting containers under the ground is a real trial, particularly if they have to be retrieved if a test doesn't work. Although it nearly drove me bonkers I still think it is a good idea. I would like to return to this project once other, more pressing experiments are out of the way.