UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta students transformed cattle manure into biogas in Kebakalan Village, Karanggayam Subdistrict, Kebumen. The program was launched because of the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) scarcity and the large cattle farm in the region.
The program was implemented by students in Student Community Service Program (KKN) Group 88, led by Umar Abdul Karim from the Civil Engineering Program Faculty of Engineering (FT). In their press release, the team leader explained that the idea came from their experience that it was hard to find LPG and from the village apparatus’s statement.
“One of the village apparatuses stated that the issue in Kebakalan is the quantity of cattle manure that often disturbs the neighborhood. From this information, we formulate the biogas program,” Umar Abdul Karim explained to uns.ac.id, Monday (4/4/2022).
Manure used in biogas production also could be processed further into organic fertilizer. Thus, no wasted manure. Umar also explained the method and composition of transforming manure into biogas. The manure used in the process is new that has not been exposed to the open air for more than 12 hours. This manure has the optimum temperature (25—30°C) needed in the process. The manure is then stored in a closed container connected to pipes to manage the gas pressure.
“We need around one-third of the container volume of manure (for the process),” Umar added.
The team production on Sunday (6/2/2022) utilized 60 liters of containers, 20 liters of manure, and water to dissolve organic compounds, then set aside for 14 days inside fully sealed containers under shaded places. “Once in a while, the container is checked to ensure the fermentation process runs well. The tap on the container also needs to be opened to release excess gases. After 14 days, (we) conducted a trial by connecting the container to the stove,” he concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti