Gaasilõikus

Gaasilõikus is an Estonian term that translates to "gas harvest" or "gas reaping." It refers to the process of capturing and collecting methane gas produced from decomposing organic matter, primarily in anaerobic environments. This gas is a byproduct of the natural breakdown of materials like agricultural waste, sewage sludge, and landfill contents.

The primary goal of gaasilõikus is to harness this methane for energy production. The collected gas, often referred to as biogas, can be used in various ways. It can be burned directly to generate heat or electricity, or it can be purified into biomethane, which is chemically similar to natural gas and can be injected into the existing gas grid or used as a fuel for vehicles. This process is a form of renewable energy generation, as the organic matter is a renewable resource.

Gaasilõikus is typically carried out in digesters, which are sealed tanks designed to facilitate anaerobic digestion. Microorganisms break down the organic material in the absence of oxygen, releasing biogas. The efficiency of gaasilõikus depends on factors such as the type of organic material, the temperature within the digester, and the retention time of the material. This practice plays a role in waste management by reducing the volume of organic waste and mitigating the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.