Topic

This project is intended to show a new way of substituting (high-temperature) process heat, which has so far been predominantly provided by fossil fuels, with climate-friendly biogenic gases from thermochemical gasification. Compared to the approach of replacing fossil natural gas with renewable natural gas substitutes (SNG) of natural gas quality, a simplification of the process chain can be achieved by partial methanization and the economic efficiency of such systems can be demonstrated earlier. This can make a significant contribution to reducing fossil CO₂ emissions for industrial processes. With the introduction of the CO₂ tax from 2021, these emissions will become an economic factor for companies. Partial methanization should enable these companies to promptly dispense with fossil fuels and use more climate-friendly biogenic fuels.

Aims

The aim of the project is a novel process chain for the substitution of natural gas for process heat generation in industry by conditioned, biogenic synthesis gases. Two parallel processes will be realized in laboratory scale. One is the autothermal fixed bed gasification and the other is the allothermal steam gasification in a fluidized bed. Subsequently, a (partial) methanization and purification of the resulting process gas will take place, which will then be utilized by a FLOX burner adapted to the properties of the process gas. After the successful implementation on a laboratory scale, a proof-of-concept of the autothermal path will take place at a wood gasification site and a semi-industrial demonstration of the allothermal path by means of a 100 kW heat-pipe reformer.

Measures

FAU – Chair of Energy Process Engineering

• Design and construction of a mobile test stand for the determination of flame velocities and ignition limits 
• Design and commissioning of the allothermal process path and characterization of the synthesis gas and burner performance
• Semi-industrial demonstration of the plant concept using a 100 kW Heat-Pipe-Reformer
• Market potential and economic evaluation

DBFZ

• Identification and characterization of processes with high potentials for natural gas substitution
• Design and commissioning of the autothermal process route and characterization of the synthesis gas and burner performance
• Proof-of-Concept at a renowned wood gasifier site
• Market potentials and economic evaluation

E-Flox GmbH

• Design and adaptation of the gas burners to the properties of the process gas
• Support during the test campaigns
• Market potentials and economic evaluation

Testnet Engineering GmbH

• Safety-related consideration of the process chain
• Concept and design of the (hot) gas control system
• Market potentials and economic evaluation

Focus

FAU – Chair of Energy Process Engineering

• Project Manager and Coordinator
• Allothermal fluidized bed gasification
• Methanization and gas purification
• Characterization of the synthesis gas
• Heat-Pipe-Reformer

DBFZ

• Autothermal gasification
• Methanization and gas cleaning
• Characterization of the synthesis gas

E-Flox

• FLOX-Technology
• Utilization of lean gases and special fuels
• Design and construction of complete systems

Testnet Engineering GmbH

• Safety aspects
• Hot gas control system