RV
R. Verhorst
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2 records found
1
Hydrogen Sulfide Removal from Biogas using Biochar made from Cow Dung and Jackfruit Tree Waste
A Pathway to Cost-Effective Off-Grid Biogas-SOFC Energy Systems in Rural Uganda
Master thesis
(2025)
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R. Verhorst, R.E.F. Lindeboom, H. Wasajja, P.S. Ceron Chafla, J.B. van Lier, P. V. Aravind
The presence of >1ppm concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in biogas can pose a challenge for the implementation of off-grid biogas-SOFC energy systems in rural Uganda. This study investigated the potential of biochars made from cow dung (CB), jackfruit tree leaves (LB) and jackfruit tree branches (TB) to remove H2S from biogas to below the 1 ppm threshold and compared the findings to the use of commercially available activated carbon (AC). The surface area, pore structure, particle size, trace-metal content, pH and alkalinity were characterized and their influence on the H2S adsorption capacity was qualitatively evaluated. Furthermore, a Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to determine the influence of the gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) and inlet H2S concentration on the H2S adsorption capacity. AC was observed to exhibit the highest H2S adsorption capacity, followed by CB, LB and TB, in that order. The specific surface area (SSA) and micropore volume were argued to be the determining factors to explain the differences in H2S adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the GHSV and inlet H2S concentration were both found to be negatively correlated to the H2S adsorption capacity. The interaction effect between both parameters was observed to be insignificant and no optimum was found by the response surface analysis. The comparison of the research findings with similar studies highlighted the complexity involved in comparing the H2S adsorption capacities of biochars between studies. It is therefore suggested that a reference benchmark breakthrough test should be created and used by future studies. Ultimately, the insights of this study may contribute to the implementation of cost-effective biogas-SOFC systems in rural Uganda.
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The presence of >1ppm concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in biogas can pose a challenge for the implementation of off-grid biogas-SOFC energy systems in rural Uganda. This study investigated the potential of biochars made from cow dung (CB), jackfruit tree leaves (LB) and jackfruit tree branches (TB) to remove H2S from biogas to below the 1 ppm threshold and compared the findings to the use of commercially available activated carbon (AC). The surface area, pore structure, particle size, trace-metal content, pH and alkalinity were characterized and their influence on the H2S adsorption capacity was qualitatively evaluated. Furthermore, a Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to determine the influence of the gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) and inlet H2S concentration on the H2S adsorption capacity. AC was observed to exhibit the highest H2S adsorption capacity, followed by CB, LB and TB, in that order. The specific surface area (SSA) and micropore volume were argued to be the determining factors to explain the differences in H2S adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the GHSV and inlet H2S concentration were both found to be negatively correlated to the H2S adsorption capacity. The interaction effect between both parameters was observed to be insignificant and no optimum was found by the response surface analysis. The comparison of the research findings with similar studies highlighted the complexity involved in comparing the H2S adsorption capacities of biochars between studies. It is therefore suggested that a reference benchmark breakthrough test should be created and used by future studies. Ultimately, the insights of this study may contribute to the implementation of cost-effective biogas-SOFC systems in rural Uganda.
Agricultural technology adoption by rural farmers in Malawi
A case study of a Small Enterprise in Malawi
Student report
(2020)
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Jente Janssen, Jon Arends, Janieke Scholten, Rob Verhorst, Eline van Berlo, Maurits Ertsen, Luuk Rietveld
The implementation of new agricultural technologies is considered a key component of Malawi’s agricul- tural development strategy. However, successful technology adoption has proven to be difficult, affecting both farmers and small businesses introducing the technology. With a primary focus on farmers interested in adopting the technology, common factors influencing farmers’ adoption habits are determined by con- ducting interviews and observations. Survey results indicate that from a farmers perspective; market ac- cess, information access, education, and affordability are key factors helping facilitate adoption, while lack of these factors hinder adoption. Insight into these factors could provide business knowledge on how to better facilitate technology adoption. For this purpose, literature factors affecting a SME’s success are compared with an active agricultural technology company. These factors include experience, communication, man- agement and technology performance. Using both farmers needs and business developmental factors, this study hopes to provide insights for new companies starting a business in a developing country.
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The implementation of new agricultural technologies is considered a key component of Malawi’s agricul- tural development strategy. However, successful technology adoption has proven to be difficult, affecting both farmers and small businesses introducing the technology. With a primary focus on farmers interested in adopting the technology, common factors influencing farmers’ adoption habits are determined by con- ducting interviews and observations. Survey results indicate that from a farmers perspective; market ac- cess, information access, education, and affordability are key factors helping facilitate adoption, while lack of these factors hinder adoption. Insight into these factors could provide business knowledge on how to better facilitate technology adoption. For this purpose, literature factors affecting a SME’s success are compared with an active agricultural technology company. These factors include experience, communication, man- agement and technology performance. Using both farmers needs and business developmental factors, this study hopes to provide insights for new companies starting a business in a developing country.