Biotech Updates

Indian Company to Develop Bio-CNG from Molasses

November 16, 2016
http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/purti-group-co-develops-bio-cng-for-vehicles/55435579

Manas Agro Industries and Infrastructure Limited (MAIIL) of the city has developed a process that can produce bio-CNG (compressed natural gas) from molasses that can be used as fuel for vehicles. MAIIL is already planning to set up bio-CNG dispensing units in the Nagpur City in about 8-9 months.

In the procedure, molasses generated from sugar manufacture is mixed with rectified spirit and ethanol, forming sludge. This sludge is used to produce methane which is then purified and filled in cascades at high pressure. Some sludge residues can also be used as fertilizer.

However, the government still needs to make changes in rules and infrastructure to allow use of bio-CNG as fuel. The government should allow converting existing vehicles such as scooters or three wheelers into CNG-friendly vehicles by attaching a conversion kit in it. Old vehicles should also be permitted to be converted into bio-CNG vehicles.