IPB KKN Students Creates Affordable and Efficient Biogas
Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) students who were undergoing Themed Student Study Service (KKN-T) in Rembang Regency, Central Java,conducted their first biogas trial in Tegal Geneng, Sale Village (19/8). Tegal Geneng is one of the hamlets in Sale Village that has the biggest land for animal husbandry, especially cattle. Almost all inhabitants in that hamlet have a cattle as a livestock. This condition inspired IPB KKN-T students to apply a form of renewable energy. Previously, Tegal Geneng inhabitants utilized cattle droppings only as a compost fertilizer, while there are still many uses of cattle's droppings.
The biogas tube was built on a land belonging to Head of RT 04 Tegal Geneng, whom the people call 'Mbah Run'. This first biogas plan in Tegal Geneng can be one of exemplary biogas for the rest of the inhabitants. The people attended the construction were enthusiastic. They helped the students in the process. "The people's enthusiasm was outstanding. I haven't witnessed such togetherness before," said Vian, the group leader.
The biogas production tube's dimension was 4×1 meter, whereas the depth of the hole was around 50 centimeters. This is the first biogas ever made in Sale Village. That was the reason why the people were so enthusiastic about the program. The people's support towards this activity was shown by their participation in helping the students. Some people also served food for the students and people participated in the construction.
At the day of the biogas' first trial, the students tried the system on a field using match stick. The fire produced was blue and slightly red at the tip. That proved that the gas quality was very good. As we know, good quality fire that produces adequate heat is blue fire.
"I'm so glad with the presence of KKN-T students that has created a program beneficial for our hamlet. We hope more people will apply that knowledge in the future," said Mbah Run.
The process of biogas construction only needed 2 days. The first day was spent to construct the tube and reserve hole. The second day was for the installation and finishing. IPB KKN-T students didn't face much problems because the people were cooperative. The only problem they faced was to find suitable bamboo for the body of the tube. The biogas tube was made of plastic with bamboo frame. This method was chosen because of its affordability and efficiency.
"We chose to build the tube using bamboo frame and plastic after observing the hamlet's condition. We had to use an economically friendly method with easy construction, but still deliver a strong structure, so that it can be applied by the people," said Habib, the head of biogas program.
We hope with this program, the people in this village can use the new system efficiently and can build it in their own home, because most of the houses have cattles as livestock. "Rather than being dumped without any added value, we think the waste of livestock is better to be utilized as biogas. We also hope with biogas in each household, the inhabitants can save the money that is otherwise used to buy gas," he added. (Ard)
