S. Piccinini, C. Fabbri, F.Verzellesi. 1998. Integrated bio-systems for biogas recovery from pig slurry: Two examples of simplidfied plants in Italy 
In: Integrated Bio-Systems in Zero Emissions Applications.
Proceedings of the Internet Conference on Integrated Biosystems.
Eds: Eng-Leong Foo & Tarcisio Della Senta. 1998 http://www.ias.unu.edu/proceedings/icibs/piccinini
 
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About the Authors 
Sergio Piccinini  
Centro Ricerche Produzioni Animali - CRPA  
(Research Center for Animal Production)  
C.so Garibaldi, 42 - 42100 Reggio Emilia - ITALY  
Tel. +39/522/436999 - Fax +39/522/435142   
E-mail: S.Piccinini@crpa.it 
Mr. Sergio Piccinini, since 1983, is in charge of the Chemistry Laboratory, Environment Department of the Research Center for Animal Production (CRPA) in Reggio Emilia, Italy. He is responsible for the analyses of slurry, sludge, compost, wastewater and air pollutants. His main experience is in the following subjects: experimentation of new technological plants for anaerobic and aerobic purification; supervision of pilot and demonstration plants for biogas production, purifying and composting of animal and agro-industrial wastes; energy analysis in livestock farms and food industries; qualitative and quantitative characterization of agricultural and agro-industrial waste, its reduction and treatment in order to improve its agronomic quality; studies on environmental protection and reclamation in areas with high agricultural and livestock activity. He is a member of the ITABIA (Italian Biomass Association) and the IAWQ (International Association on Water Quality). He is author and co-author of 72 scientific and technical papers.  

Mr. Claudio Fabbri studied agricultural sciences qualifying with a MSc in 1992. He worked 3 years at Agricultural Engineering Institute of Milan University in the field of innovative electrical technologies (heat pump, co-generation, biofuels..). From 1995 to date he has been working at the CRPA in charge of the Environment and Mechanical Departments . He has experience about: experimentation of new technological system with low environment impact; monitoring ammonia emission from livestock buildings, pig slurry storage and spreading; forage harvesting and drying in order to improve its nutritional value.  

Mr. Fabio Verzellesi obtained his secondary school diploma from an Agricultural school in 1981. From 1985 to date he has been working as technician at the CRPA in the Environment Department.
Abstract
In Italy, recently, at the end of the eighties, a new generation of biogas systems for animal (mainly pig) slurry were developed which are extremely simplified and low-cost, involving the use of plastic cover over a slurry storage tank. These systems have been developed not only for the purpose of energy recovery but also for controlling odours and stabilizing the wastes. Though no official census has been made, information gathered from the firms that produce this type of system indicates that approximately fifty of these plants have been installed in Italy up to now. The systems operate at low temperature or at a controlled temperature. Also part of this scenario is a provision of the Italian government of 1992 that offers incentives for self-production of electric energy from biomasses; this could translate into renewed interest in biogas systems for pig breeding. However, this rule is today under revision due to public budget restriction. CRPA had monitored some of these biogas plants, in particular a plant installed in a large pig farm located in the province of Parma. Here the biogas system was created by adapting two tanks, of the same size, used for slurry storage. The total useful volume is about 600 m3. The biogas is used for a co-generator that can supply about 50 kW of electric power and 120 kW of thermal power. The productive parameters, energetic balance and economical analysis of the biogas plant are presented in the paper: the biogas production is about 118,000 m3/year, about 357 m3/t lw · year; the production of electric energy is about 191,000 kWh/year and the pay back time is 4.5 years. Moreover CRPA and Agricultural Engineering Istitute of Milano University carried out a market analysis about cogenerators interesting for pig breeding. The results of this study are reported in the paper.