Technology Focus: Biogas upgrading
Thyson supplies a split configuration grid entry unit, separating the RTU and ROV elements of the network package
the largest installation so far is currently being commissioned in Italy, where 6,250 Nm³/h of biogas is being upgraded to pipeline quality biomethane. This could have implications for the decarbonisation of the transport sector, says Volker Wehber, Global Director for SEPURAN® Green at Evonik: “The use of biomethane derived from organic waste sources as an alternative fuel in CNG or LNG powered vehicles is still in its infancy, but this is set to become more and more popular and will play an important part in meeting GHG savings and carbon footprint targets of individual companies and beyond.” Evonik is continuously developing its membrane product portfolio for efficient gas separation and the next generation of SEPURAN®
Green membranes are scheduled to be launched in late 2017.
footprint, with the potential for finer control of the final gas quality. Unlike with sewage sites, gas pre-treatment is required and there is a higher electricity demand, in the region of 0.2-0.3 kWh/m3
of biogas. Additionally, there
is uncertainty in relation to the lifespan of the membrane.
Challenges for this type of installation include those experienced at existing plants, together with the complexity of ensuring that the quality of feedstock is managed, which directly impacts upon gas quality. Chicken litter increases the risk of excessive levels of ammonia in the digestate, so we now introduce zeolite into the process, which actively adsorbs unwanted components.
The challenge for new developers is one of balancing the advantages and disadvantages of the different options of biogas upgrading technology to deliver the best plant to suit their capabilities and resources.”
Upgrading solutions from
ADBA members There have been many changes to the biogas to grid market over the past 18 months, and as a provider of grid/network entry packages, Thyson Technology (TTL) has been at the forefront of developments. “At the end of 2015, we were celebrating the fact that we had obtained RHI for our first grid entry unit at Brinklow,” says Glen Lancaster, Sales Manager. “If we advance 12 months, we have now added a further 13 projects to the network with a 100 per cent record of achieving the RHI target/gas on date. During the year, we have also had the opportunity to work with all four gas distribution networks on a wide variety of projects, including both on-farm generation and wastewater feedstocks. However, throughout 2016, we have seen a significant shift
in the type of projects coming on stream, with a clear move away from 100 per cent crop based plants to more waste driven opportunities. Whilst the RHI remains a key element to the financial success of these projects, the ability to use a waste stream, particularly for water companies, also brings some additional added value.”
Glen continues: “Within our specific area it’s not always easy to bring innovation. As the final release point to the network, our focus is to ensure that the biogas meets the requirements of the GSMR standards, along with providing actual flow rates to the network operator. However, one of our recent developments has been to supply a split configuration grid entry unit, which effectively separates the RTU and ROV elements of the network package. These elements are always owned by the network operator and separating them has helped to overcome pipeline adoption issues at some sites.”
Membrane technology Another innovation in the biogas upgrading sector has come from Evonik Resources Efficiency GmbH, which has developed the SEPURAN® Green membrane technology. Thanks to a simple modular set-up, the technology is suitable for small, medium and large scale installations –
Meanwhile, DMT Clear Gas Solutions, part of DMT Environmental Technology, has announced that it is to build ‘the largest installation in the field of biogas upgrading’. The US-based project, which will process pig manure, will use DMT’s highly selective membrane technology to upgrade the biogas into biomethane, which will then be injected into the national gas grid, benefitting 30,000 households per year. “This is an amazing project, not only because of its size but especially because of its relevance for the industry,” says Robert Lems, General Manager of DMT Clear Gas Solutions LLC. In addition to upgrading technology, DMT supplies technology for desulphurisation and will also provide a pre-treatment stage for this project to remove sulphur from the biogas prior to upgrading.
With nearly 50 biogas sites worldwide, Air Liquide has developed technologies and expertise that span the entire biomethane value chain. It has also designed its own membrane technology for upgrading biogas for subsequent injection into the gas grid, the production of vehicle fuel and the production of renewable hydrogen from liquid biomethane. According to David Hurren, General Manager for UK of Air Liquide Advanced Business Europe, key points to consider when investing in upgrading technology
Continued>>
DMT’s US project will provide green gas for 30,000 homes
Evonik has developed the SEPURAN® Green membrane technology
www.adbioresources.org adbioresources.org SPRING 2017 | AD & BIORESOURCES NEWS 19
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