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 Table of contents

Competency Standards: Biogas Technicians (Floating Drum Biodigesters) ......................................................... 4

Standard-1: Recall basic concepts of biogas production and benefits of biodigester technology. .............................................. 4

Standard 2: Read and interpret drawings of floating drum biodigesters ............................................................................... 6

Standard 3: Select suitable type and appropriate size of floating-drum biodigester and carry out basic calculations ..................... 7

Standard 4: Select construction materials and construction site ......................................................................................... 9

Standard 5: Construct structural component of a floating-drum biodigester ........................................................................ 11

Standard 6: Install pipeline and electro-mechanical components...................................................................................... 13

Standard 7: Perform routine operation and minor maintenance tasks ............................................................................... 15

Standard 8: Practice quality norms and ensure the compliance of quality standards while construction ................................... 17

List of Tools, Machinery & Equipment ................................................................................................................ 18

List of Consumable Supplies .............................................................................................................................. 19

Worker Traits and Related Knowledge ............................................................................................................... 20

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Competency Standards: Biogas Technicians (Floating Drum Biodigesters)

Standard-1: Recall basic concepts of biogas production and benefits of biodigester technology.

Overview: These competency standards will ensure that the trainees will be able to explain process of biogas production, types of biodigesters and
importance of biogas technology in Pakistan

Competency Unit Performance Criteria Knowledge and Understanding

C1.1: Explain P1: Explain methods of biogas production The participants will gain knowledge and
prerequisites for P2: Explain different types of inputs (feeding enhance understanding on:
biogas generation materials) for biodigesters K1: Basic bacterial activities to produce biogas
P3: Explain merits and demerits of different K2: Different types of inputs to operate a
feeding materials biodigester
P4: Describe why cattle dung is the best feeding K3: Merits and demerits of different feeding
material for Pakistan context materials
P5: Explain ideal conditions for biogas generation K4: Reasons for the use of cattle dung as the
main feeding materials for biodigesters
P6: Describe effects of temperature on biogas K5: Methods and practices to ensure effective
generation biogas production
K6: Suitability of biodigester in different
climatic conditions

C1.2: Describe types P1: Describe different types of biodigesters and K1: Different types of biodigesters and their
and functioning/ their strengths and weaknesses comparative advantages
working of P2: Explain components of a floating drum K2: Components and functions of a floating
biodigesters biodigester and function(s) of each component drum biodigesters
P3: Explain inter-relations of different components K3: Working principle of a floating drum
of a floating drum biodigester biodigester
P4: Describe criteria to select a particular design K4: Merits and demerits of different designs
of a floating drum biodigesters (MS Steel drum or wire-mesh-reinforced
concrete or fiber-cement drum or glass-fiber
reinforced plastic or high-density polyethylene
or PVC drum) of floating drum biodigesters in

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 particular context
P5: Explain suitability of floating drum designs for K5: Strengths and weaknesses of floating
electricity generation drum design for electricity generation
C1.3: Describe P1: Explain the products of a biodigester K1: Products of biodigesters – biogas and
benefits of floating bioslurry
drum biodigesters and P2: Recall various end use applications of biogas K2: Diversified use of biogas – cooking,
importance of the lighting, running an engine
technology in Pakistan P3: Recall advantages of bioslurry over FYM K3: Comparative advantage and
disadvantages of FYM and bioslurry
P4: Explain benefits of biogas at household and K4: Benefits of biogas over conventional fuel
community level sources
P5: Explain why biodigester technology is K5: General energy scenario in Pakistan
important for Pakistan

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Standard 2: Read and interpret drawings of floating drum biodigesters

Overview: This competency standard ensures that the participants are familiar with different types of drawings and they are able to read and interpret
drawings of floating drum biodigesters.

Competency Unit Performance Criteria Knowledge and Understanding

C2.1: Describe the P1: Tell why drawing is needed K1: The need and importance of drawing
basic concepts of a P2: Describe the concept of plan, elevation and K2: Notion of plan, elevation and sections of a
drawing of an object sections while preparing drawings drawing

C2.2: Demonstrate P1: Explain the concept of foot-inch and meter- K1: Different systems of measurement and use
ability to read basic centimeter system of measurement of measuring tape
drawings P2: Demonstrate ability to distinguish different K2: Different types of drawings – isometric
types of drawings view, sectional elevations, plan, elevation etc.
C2.3: Demonstrate P1: Describe the dimensions of various K1: Working of floating-drum biodigester, its
ability of interpret components of a floating-drum biodigesters components and dimension of various parts.
drawing of floating P2: Define plan, section, isometric view, and half K2: Methods of reading drawings of different
drum biodigesters sectional elevation of biodigesters components of a floating-drum biodigester
P3: Describe inter-relationship of various K3: Inter-relationship of various floating-drum
components of a floating-drum biodigester biodigester components

C2.4: Read and P1: Read drawings of various sizes of templates K1: Templates and their uses
interpret drawings of P2: Read drawing of mixing devices K2: Mixing device and its use
templates, appliances, P4: Read drawing of biogas stoves and lamps K3: Biogas stoves and lamps
pipes and fittings and P5:Read drawings of pipes and fittings K4: Pipes and fittings such as tee, elbow,
filter systems nipple, valves, socket
P6: Read drawings of filter systems K5: H2S filter, moisture filter, CO2 filter

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Standard 3: Select suitable type and appropriate size of floating-drum biodigester and carry out basic calculations
Overview: This competency standard ensures that the participants are familiar with different criteria to be considered while selecting best suitable type and
size of a biodigester and be able to carry out simple calculations.

Competency Unit Performance Criteria Knowledge and Understanding

C3.1: Select suitable P1: Explain pre-requisite for the selection of K1: Criteria to select suitable type of
type of biodigester biodigester type such as consideration on biodigester
durability, reliability, affordability, user-friendliness
for construction and operation
P2: Describe suitability of different designs in K2: Different designs of floating drum
specific site conditions biodigester (MS Steel drum or wire-mesh-
reinforced concrete or fiber-cement drum or
glass-fiber reinforced plastic or high-density
polyethylene or PVC drum) and their suitability
in different context

C3.2: Select suitable P1: Explain pre-requisite for the selection of K1: Criteria to select suitable size of
size of biodigester biodigester size biodigester
P2: Estimate the quantity of feeding materials K2: Calculation of quantity of feeding materials
(cattle dung) available and gas production and gas production
P3: Estimate the quantity of gas required based K3: Various end-use application and gas
upon end-use applications requirements
P4: Select suitable size of biodigester based upon K4: Different sizes of biodigesters and gas
main selection criteria production

C3.3: Carry out basic P1: Practice addition, subtraction and K1: Basic addition, subtraction and
calculations multiplication of measurement units multiplication
P2: Calculate material needed and related cost K2: Use of calculators
P3: Describe the quantity of various construction
K3: Types and quantity of construction
materials needed for different sizes of biodigesters
materials needed for construction

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C3.4: Interpret the P1: Describe the effect of HRT on size selection K1: Concept of HRT and its effect on size
relation between HRT, selection
quantity of feeding P2: Explain relation between quantity of feeding
K2: Types of feeding materials and estimated
materials and required and HRT
HRT
size of biodigester
P3: Select size of biodigester based upon feeding
K3: Different sizes of floating-drum
materials and estimated HRT
biodigesters and quantity of feeding materials
needed.

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Standard 4: Select construction materials and construction site
Overview: This competency standard ensures that the participants are able to name the construction materials required for the construction of a floating-drum
biodigester and select construction materials to comply with the set quality standards.

Competency Unit Performance Criteria Knowledge and Understanding

C4.1: Name different P1: State the type of construction materials K1: Different construction materials needed for
types of construction needed for construction floating-drum biodigesters (MS Steel drum or
materials needed for wire-mesh-reinforced concrete or fiber-cement
constructing a drum or glass-fiber reinforced plastic or high-
floating-drum density polyethylene or PVC drum)
biodigester

C4.2: Appraise quality P1: Describe quality standards of bricks and K1: Types and quality of bricks and stones and
standards of stones their uses, hitting and abrasion tests
construction materials P2: Describe quality standards of cement K2: Cement grade and OPC, storing and
handling of cement
P3: Describe quality standards of sand K3: Bottle test for assessing quality of sand,
calculations of % of impurity in sand
P4: Describe quality standards of aggregate/gravel K4: Different sizes of aggregate and their uses
P5: Describe quality standards of MS rod K5: Types of MS rod and their uses
P6: Describe quality standards of steel floating K6: Thickness of iron sheet, priming and
drum coating (oil paints, synthetic paints and
bitumen paints), welding and gas tightness
P7: Describe quality standards of other types of K7: Thickness of drum, uniformity,
floating drum (MS Steel drum or wire-mesh- smoothness, gas-tightness, slope of roof,
reinforced concrete or fiber-cement drum or glass- welding and jointing
fiber reinforced plastic or high-density polyethylene
or PVC drum)

C4.3: Explain criteria P1: Explain why biodigester should be constructed K1: The fact that feeding will be difficult and
for selection of near cattle shed tiresome if biodigester is far from cattle shed
construction site P2: Explain why biodigester should be located in K2: Effect of outside temperature on
sunny place biodigester

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 P3: Explain why the distance between biodigester
and point of use should be as minimum as K3: Effect of longer conveyance system on
possible installation cost and operation and
P4: Explain why biodigester should not be maintenance
constructed too close to foundation of structures, K4: Safety in construction, potential damage to
growing trees, main trail and machines producing biodigester because of roots of a tree and
vibrations vibrating machines.
P5: Explain why biodigesters should not be
constructed in water logging areas and slide-prone K5: Potential danger of flooding and cracking
areas of digesters because of water logging and
P6: Explain the characteristics of best site for ground movements
constructing biodigesters K6: Characteristics of best site for construction
of a biodigester

C4.4: Explain steps P1: Describe methods of construction of different K1: Sequence of construction activities
(sequences) of components of a floating drum biodigester K2: Functioning of different components of a
construction of a P2: Describe relative positioning of different floating drum biodigesters
floating drum components of a floating drum biodigesters K3: Reference line and its use during
biodigester P3: Explain the importance of reference line construction

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Standard 5: Construct structural component of a floating-drum biodigester
Overview: This competency standard ensures that the participants are able to construct civil structures of a floating-drum biodigester complying with set
quality standards.

Competency Unit Performance Criteria Knowledge and Understanding

C5.1: Construct P1: Demonstrate methods for lay out K1: Drawing, measurement and marking
digester (demarcation) of biodigester methods
P2: Supervise the excavation of pit K2: Pit diameter and depth, excavation tools
and uses
P3: Prepare mortar K3: Mixing ratio and methods of preparing
mortar of different ratio
P4: Prepare base of the digester and construct K4: Methods of leveling, compacting and
foundation ramming
P5: Construct digester walls K5: Use of different construction tools and
equipment, masonry skills
P6: Fix inlet and outlet pipes K6: Proper location of inlet and outlet pipes
K7: Importance of baffle wall
P7: Construct baffle walls K7: Plastering skill, knowledge of ratio of
P7: Plaster digester walls mortar
K8: Proper use of plumb-bob
P8: Maintain plumb of digester wall
C5.2: Install floating P1: Prepare scaffolding and formworks for erecting K1: Fitting of scaffolding and formworks for
drum (gas holder) – floating drum casting gas holder
(MS Steel drum or P2: Install central guide frame K2: Positioning of central guide frame,
wire-mesh-reinforced P3: Install internal/external guide frame and maintaining verticality.
concrete or fiber- support ledge K3: Positioning of guide-frame and support
cement drum or glass- P4: Install floating drum (normal or water-jacket) ledge
fiber reinforced plastic K4: Installing water jacket-floating drum and
or high-density normal floating drum, knowledge of different
polyethylene or PVC types of floating drum (MS Steel drum or wire-
drum) mesh-reinforced concrete or fiber-cement
drum or glass-fiber reinforced plastic or high-
density polyethylene or PVC drum)

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 P5: Remove scaffolding and frameworks K5: Safety precautions while removing
scaffoldings/frameworks

C5.3: Construct P1: Fix outlet pipe K1: Methods of fixing outlet pipe
outlet/ hydraulic P2: Construct outlet walls K2: Methods of use of different construction
chamber tools and equipment, masonry skills
P3: Plaster outlet walls K3: Plastering skill, knowledge of ratio of
mortar
P4: Maintain plumb of outlet wall K4: Correct use of plumb-bob
P5: Cast concrete cover slab for outlet and fit in K5: Mixing ratio and methods of preparing
place mortar of different ratio, methods of casting
concrete

C5.4: Construct inlet P1: Construct platform for inlet tank K1: Use of different construction tools and
and mixing tank equipment, masonry skills
P2: Construct walls of inlet tank K2: Types of masonry woks
P3: Plaster inlet tank K3: Plastering skill, knowledge of ratio of
mortar
P4: Fix mixing device K4: Vertical and horizontal mixture machines

C5.5: Construct slurry P1: Select location of slurry collection and K1: Proper handling and application of
collection and composing pit bioslurry
composting pit P2: Decide the size of collection and composing K2: General thumb rule to decide the size of
pits slurry pit
P3: Supervise excavation of pits K3: Pit dimensions, excavation tools and their
uses
P3: Construct walls and roof of the pits K3: Use of different construction tools and
equipment, masonry skills

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Standard 6: Install pipeline and electro-mechanical components
Overview: This competency standard ensures that the participants are able to install biogas conveyance system, biogas filtration system and biogas
utilization system as per set quality standards.

Competency Unit Performance Criteria Knowledge and Understanding

C6.1: Install pipeline P1: Describe quality standard of pipes and fittings K1: Quality standards of pipes and fittings
P2: Select correct size of pipes and fitting K2: Flow of gas and distance vs. pipe size
K3: Effect of longer pipe on cost as well as risk
P3: Select best alignment for pipe laying of biogas leakage
K4: Plumbing skill and knowledge on fittings
P4: Join pipes using correct fitting and sealing and sealing agents such as Teflon tape
agent K5: Methods to protect pipeline against
P5: Protect pipeline against possible damage possible damage

C6.2: Install P1: Name different types of biogas appliances K1: Types of biogas appliances such as
appliances/accessories and end use applications stoves, lamps, water heaters, rice-cookers,
generators
P2: Describe quality standards of appliances K2: Quality standards of biogas appliances
P3: Fix biogas stoves, lamps and other appliances K3: Methods of fitting appliances, plumbing
as per users’ need skills
P4: Install pressure gauge, gas-flow meter and K4: Plumbing skill, functioning of pressure
temperature gauge gauge, gas-flow meter and temperature gauge
C6.3: Install gas P1: Describe quality standards of filter system K1: Quality standards of biogas purification
filtration/purification system
system P2: Install CO2 scrubber (for larger biodigesters, K2: Plumbing skill, understanding of
more than 100 cum) functioning of CO2 scrubber and safe disposal
of carbonated water
P3: Install H2S remover K3: Plumbing skill, understanding of
functioning of H2S remover
P4: Install moisture removal K4: Plumbing skill, understanding of
functioning of moisture removal

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C6.4: Install pump P1: Describe quality standards of pump/generator K1: Quality standards of pump/generators
and/or generator P2: Calculate gas demand and select suitable K2: Knowledge of calculating gas demand and
pump/generator size suitable size of pump/generators
P3: Explain modifications of conventional K3: Working principle of biogas operated
machines to operate with biogas engines
P4: Install pumping arrangements, generators and K4: Plumbing skill, knowledge of working of
control systems and blower or compressor biogas operated engines

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Standard 7: Perform routine operation and minor maintenance tasks
Overview: This competency standard ensures that the participants are familiar with the routine operational activities as well as minor repair works and they
are capable of imparting effective operation and maintenance training to biogas users.

Competency Unit Performance Criteria Knowledge and Understanding

C7.1: Describe routine P1: Prescribe correct quantity of feeding K1: Quantity of feeding/biodigester loading rate
operation activities for P2: Describe the effect of under-feeding and over- K2: Effects of underfeeding and overfeeding,
trouble-free feeding change in HRT
functioning of P3: Demonstrate efficient use of different K3: Operation of different appliances, working
biodigester appliances such as water drain, main valve, gas principle of appliances
taps
P4: Perform leakage testing K4: Leakage testing methods and protocols,
use of soap-water solution, colour smoke etc.
P5: Explain dos and don’ts dos for effective K5: dos and don’ts dos for effective
functioning of biodigesters functioning of biodigesters
C7.2: Conduct minor P1: Demonstrate painting of floating-drum K1: Methods to protect drum against
repair and corrosion, suitable coating products such as,
maintenance works oil paints, synthetic paints and bitumen paints.
P2: Perform greasing/oiling of movable parts K2: Greasing techniques, use of repair and
maintenance tools
P3: Perform minor repair of appliances K3: Working of appliances, se of repair and
maintenance tools
P4: Perform repair of leaked pipeline K4: Use of plumbing tools, sealing agents,
pressure testing and application of soap water
solution
P5: Maintain central and side guide frames K5: Need for the verticality of guide-frames,
reasons for tilting of drum

C7.3: Identify potential P1: Demonstrate the use of pH meter, pressure K1: Functioning and use of testing tools and
problems and likely meter, foot pump, gas flow meter to identify equipment
solutions potential problems
P2: Carry out pressure testing to detect biogas
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 leakages K2: Pressure testing methods and protocols
P3: Inspect the colour of bioslurry, water dung
ratio, flow pattern and odour of bioslurry to asses K3: Changes in slurry during the process of
potential problems biogas formation.
C7.4: Explain methods P1: Describe different uses of biogas and biogas K1: Different end-use applications and biogas
for optimum utilization appliances consumption rates of different appliances
of biogas and bioslurry P2: Identify potentials for diversification of biogas K2: Various end-use applications of biogas
end use applications
P3: Tell the effect of under-utilisation of biogas K3: Harmful effect of biogas when escaped in
atmosphere
P4: Describe characteristics and benefits of K4: Characteristics and benefits of bioslurry
bioslurry
P5: Apply suitable methods for optimal utilisation K5: Methods of bioslurry applications
of bioslurry
P6: Describe the benefits of composting of K5: Nutrient content on composted bioslurry
bioslurry and its comparative benefit over FYM

C7.5: Instruct users for P1: Inform potential problems and likely solutions K1: Common/ potential problems and likely
effective operation and to users solutions
maintenance of P2: Teach users to carry out effective operation K2: Facilitation skill, effective operation
biodigester works activities
P3: Teach users to carry out minor repair and K3: Facilitation skill, repair and maintenance
maintenance works skill

C7.6: Ensure P1: Provide warranty to ensure long term K1: Guarantee provisions and criteria
sustainable benefits functioning of biodigester K2: Provision of effective after-sale-services
from biodigester P2: Perform timely after-sale services K1: Importance of user’s manual
P3: Provide user’s manual

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Standard 8: Practice quality norms and ensure the compliance of quality standards while construction
Overview: This competency standard ensures that the participants are able to realize the importance of quality assurance and practice quality norms while
construction and installation. .

Competency Unit Performance Criteria Knowledge and Understanding

C8.1: Describe the P1: Describe the definition of quality assurance K1: Quality assurance norms and methods
importance of quality while constructing biodigester
assurance P2: Explain why quality is needed while K2: Effect of sub-standard quality of work on
construction/installation functioning of a biodigester
P3: Explain how quality is maintained during K3: Methods to maintain quality
construction/installation
C8.2: Practice quality P1: Explain quality standards to be complied while K1: Quality standards and norms
norms during construction/installation
construction P2: Comply with set quality standards while K2: Methods to comply with quality standards
constructing biodigester and norms

C8.3: Describe the P1: Tell roles and responsibilities of a biogas K1: Internalization of roles and responsibilities
roles and technician while construction of a biogas technician
responsibilities of a P2: Describe what happens if a biogas technician K2: Effects of sub-standard works on quality of
biogas technician does not fulfil his/her responsibilities end-product and functioning of a biodigester

C8.4: Practice P1: Demonstrate proper use of personal safety K1: Use of safety gears during construction
occupational health gears such as helmet, dongri, safety shoes, safety and their uses
and safety measures belt
P2: Exhibit safe use of construction tools and K2: Construction tools and equipment and their
equipment safe uses
P3: Practice safety measures at works K3: General safety measures at work

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List of Tools, Machinery & Equipment

Training of Biodigester Technicians (Masons) to Construct Floating drum

Name of Trade
Biodigesters for Running Pumps
Duration Four weeks (24 days or 192 hours)
Sr. No. Name of Item/ Equipment / Tools Quantity
Training Equipment 1
1. Computer 1
2. Over-head Projector with screen 1
3. White board 1
4. Model/prototype of biodigester 1
5. Flip chard board and paper 1
6. Camera 1
7. Construction video/DVD 1
8. Calculators 1

Masonry Tools
9. Measuring tape – 5m and 30m length 5
10. Plumb-bob 5
11. Water level 2
12. Mason’s Trowel 25
13. Plastering trowel- 2 types 5
14. Pointing trowel 5
15. Pick axe with handle 5
16. Wheel barrow 2
17. Chisel sets – 9” and 12” 5
18. Mason's hammer 5
19. Hammer – 1.5 kg and 3 kg 5
20. Straight Edge (4 ft long), metal or wooden 5
21. Level pipe (transparent plastic) 2
22. String/thread roll 5
23. Lime for layout 5 kg
24. Iron trough/mortar pan – GI 18” dia (for handling concrete, mortar) 10
25. Line and pins LS
26. Spirit level 3
27. Brushes (wire brush, painting brush) 10
28. Shovel with handle 5
29. Builders square 5
30. Striker for horizontal and vertical joints 5

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31. Steel float – small, medium and large 5
32. Wooden float – small, medium and large 5
33. Mason’s Tool bag 25
Plumbing tools
34. Hexa-frame and blade sets 5
35. Pipe wrench – 9” and 12” 2
36. Plier/slide wrench 2
37. Spanners 2
38. Needle file 2
39. Dice and vice set

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 6. Lime or marking powder 2 kg
7. Biodigester drawing 25
8. Construction manuals 25
9. Operation manual 25
10. Ball pen 35
11. Pencils 35
12. Erasers 35
13. Writing pad/note book 25
14. Glue stick 2
15. Brochures of biodigester technology 50
16. Plastic bag 25
17. White paper (A4) 1 rim
Construction Materials and appliances for 20 m3 floating drum biodigester
18. Cement
19. Bricks
20. Sand
21. Aggregates 20mm
22. Inlet pipes PVC 110 mm diameter 3 m long
23. MS Rod 10 mm diameter
24. Binding wire
25. Gas storage drum
26. Angle Iron for Guiding frames
27. Scaffolding
28. PVC/GI pipe and fittings as per site condition
29. Biogas filters (CO2 scrubber, H2S remover, moisture remover)
30. Biogas appliances (as per sit condition and users’ need)
31. Control valves – as per site condition
32. Main gas pipe – GI 1.5” diameter, 1 m long with reducing elbow
33. Teflon tape
34. Pressure gauge
35. Biogas flow meter
36. Temperature gauge
37. Pressure meter

Worker Traits and Related Knowledge

Traits:
- Physically fit/healthy
- Sincere
- Interactive
- Good listener
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- Able to work under pressure and difficult circumstances
- Polite
- Cooperative
- Dedicated
- Working with humility
- Intuitive and creative
- Motivating
- Team-spirit
- Trustworthy
- Good communicator
- Influencing
- Hard working
- Out-spoken
- Helpful
- Friendly
- Proactive/ active

Related Knowledge:
- Basic principle of biogas generation
- Types and functioning of a biodigester
- Measurement, Units of measurements
- Basic mathematics/calculations
- Drawing reading an interpretation
- Masonry works/ construction methods
- Plumbing works
- Mechanical works
- Operation and functions of different biogas appliances
- Quality standards of construction materials and appliances
- Use of biogas
- Application of bioslurry
- Routine Operational activities
- Minor repair and maintenance of biodigester
- Potential problems and likely solution
- Gas filtering mechanisms
- Effective communication

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