The International Conference on the State of the Art on Biogas Technology, Transfer and Diffusion was held in Cairo, Egypt, from 17 to 24 November 1984. The Conference was organized by the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASR T), the Egyptian National Research Centre (NRC), the Bioenergy Systems and Technology project (BST) of the US Agency for International Development (US/AID) Office of Energy, and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). A number of international organizations and agencies co-sponsored the Conference. More than 100 participants from 40 countries attended. The purpose of the Conference was to assess the viability of biogas technology (BGT) and propose future courses of action for exploiting BGT prospects to the fullest extent. The Conference emphasized a balanced coverage of technical, environ mental, social, economic and organizational aspects relevant to biogas systems design, operation and diffusion. It was organized to incorporate experiences that are pertinent, for the most part, to developing countries. In addition to the wide spectrum of presentations and country programs, structured and non-structured discussions among the participants were strongly encouraged in thematic sessions at round-table discussions, and through personal contacts during poster sessions and field trips. It was clear from the enthusiastic response of most participants that the Conference, in large measure, succeeded in fulfilling its mission. Although draft papers were distributed to all participants, it was felt that the results obtained were worthy of organized and refined documentation. And this is precisely what this book intends to do.

This report is devoted exclusively to the International Conference on the State of the Art of Biogas Technology, Transfer, and Diffusion which was held in Cairo, Egypt,from November 17 to 22, 1984. The meeting was organized jointly by the National Research Center of Egypt, the Academy for Scientific Research and Technology (Egypt). the Bioenergy Systems and Technology Project of the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S.National Academy of Sciences.

The Distinguishing Feature Of The Book Is Its Exhaustive Coverage Encompassing Theory And Practical Aspects On Items Like The Status Of Biogas Technology, Different Types Of Biogas Plants And Their Suitability For A Given Situation, Their Design Aspects, Sizing And Scaling Of Biogas Plants Which Are Illustrated With Calculations And Working Drawings. In Addition, Constructional Aspects, Cost Aspects, Diagnosis And Cure Of Faults During Operation And Details Of Utilisation Devices Are Detailed.