Topic

Within the Bio2SNG research project, the CoMBPres process, an innovative gasification process for the thermochemical conversion of biogenic residues and waste materials to Bio-SNG, is to be further developed and extensively experimentally characterized and validated (SNG: Synthetic Natural Gas).
Through neat in-process utilization of the released methanation enthalpy and integration into the endothermic gasification reaction, conversion efficiencies up to 20 % higher than that of state of the art Bio-SNG processes can be achieved.

In the Bio2SNG project, comprehensive knowledge about the innovative CoMBPres process is to be obtained using a respective high-pressure test rig, and integral process parts are to be developed further. This also aims to facilitate the construction of a pilot plant in a subsequent project. The test rig is designed for a comprehensive variation of the process parameters and modes. Pressure ranges of up to 400 bar, temperature ranges between 600–900° C and residence times of a few seconds to several minutes can be examined. The gasification reactor can be operated in both, fixed bed and fluidized bed mode and enables the investigation of power-to-gas via electrical energy supply or H₂ addition. In respect to the parameter variation, the innovative process is to be analyzed, especially regarding gas yield, composition and conversion efficiency.

The as yet open points towards the way of a first industrial CoMBPres process are to be addressed by developing, designing, manufacturing, testing and optimizing a specific apparatus for high pressure biomass feeding up to market-readiness, as well as the conception of high temperature product gas heat exchangers.

By process simulation, the experimental findings will be rounded off and the realization of a pilot plant in a subsequent project is pioneered.

Aims

CoMBPres is an innovative gasification process for the thermochemical conversion of biogenic residues into Bio-SNG (SNG: „Synthetic Natural Gas“). Neat process internal utilization of heat released from the methanation reaction, enabled through pressures, allows CoMBPres to achieve up to 20% higher conversion efficiency than state of the art Bio-SNG processes.
The research project’s main objective is the experimental validation of hithhirto theoretical findings for the CoMBPres gasification at realistic process conditions of up to 400 bar and 900°C (CoMBPres: „Combined Methanation and Biomass Gasification enabled through high Pressure”).
The experiments will be carried out with a for this specifically designed test rig for the high pressure water gasification of dry biomass.

Measures

IFK – Institute of Combustion and Power Plant Technology (University of Stuttgart)

• In the first part of the project (AP1), the high-pressure test rig is to be put into operation.
• In a second work package (AP2) follows the experimental characterization of the high pressure gasification. Various test parameters will be examined, such as a variation of the gasification pressure up to 400 bar, the gasification temperature up to 900 ° C, the type of biomass, the water-to-biomass ratio, the residence time, different catalysts and the principle of superimposed power-to-gas through a hydrogen feed. Gas composition and yield, the energy requirement and heat flow balances, conversion efficiency, power-to-gas integration potential and problematic substances such as tars, particles, chlorine and sulfur compounds are analyzed.
• An amplified knowledge will be gained through process simulations (AP3). Therefore, in addition to the thermochemical equilibrium, the process modeling will also use reaction-kinetic approaches which will be based on the experimental findings. Further, the modeling serves an essential basis for dimensioning and design of a pilot plant.
• In AP 4 a high-pressure biomass feeding system is to be developed, built and tested (AP4) together with, but mainly by project partner KEMPE. The high-pressure feeding apparatus is required for later implementation of an industrial process according to the CoMBPres approach.
• In a further work package (AP5), concepts for a product gas heat exchanger are developed in order to ensure efficient heat integration from the product gas, which is to be cooled, towards the water, which is to be heated supercritically.

KEMPE – Siegfried Kempe GmbH Apparate- und Maschinenbau

• In AP4 a high-pressure biomass feeding system is to be developed, built and tested (AP4) together with, but mainly by project partner KEMPE. The high-pressure feeding apparatus is required for later implementation of an industrial process according to the CoMBPres approach.

Focus

IFK – Institute of Combustion and Power Plant Technology (University of Stuttgart)

Experimental analysis of high pressure gasification of dry biomass at up to 400 bar and 900°C

KEMPE – Siegfried Kempe GmbH Apparate- und Maschinenbau

Development of a biomass feeding system against up to 400 bar