Pig+Manure+converted+to+crude+oil

The process of converting pig manure to crude oil is called thermochemical conversion, uses heat and pressure to break down carbohydrate materials and turn pig waste into liquid. For now each half galloon (2 litres) batch of manure converts to only about nine ounces (0.26 litres) of oil. Each conversion takes about 15 minutes, and the process has a strong energy return. For every one portion of energy in, you get three portions of energy out. The researchers converted as much as 70 percent of swine manure volatile solids into oil. About 20 percent of the manure is considered solid, the rest is largely water. Some 90 percent of that solid manure is volatile, or organic. Those volatile solids are the part of the manure that can be converted to oil. As a renewable energy, pig oil has great environmental benefits. Minerals are preserved in the treatment system, odour is reduced, and the biological oxygen demand of manure is reduced by 70 percent. Also, unlike petroleum oil, pig oil uses no additives. The process could also work with manure from chickens or cows, though it would have to be modified. Human waste, which is similar to that of pigs, would, in theory, work well.  Back to content
 * Pig Manure Converted to Crude Oil **