Bio-SNG, Synthetic natural gas from wood
Renewable energy is gaining importance - primarily generated from locally available biomass resources.
The Methanation of Wood gas (MoW)-process generates a high-quality Bio-SNG (Synthetic Natural Gas from biomass) from wood and wook-like materials. An existing natural gas grid can be used for transport and storage.
Bio-SNG through methanation of wood gas
The methanation process (MoW) uses a fluidized bed gasifier to convert wood to a wood (synthesis) gas with low nitrogen content. The wood gas is then purified to separate sulphurous compounds and heavier tar. The main constituents of the purified gases (hydrogen und carbon monoxide) are then converted to methane in a catalytic fluidized bed reactor (methanation).
Carbon dioxide, hydrogen and water vapor are released from the resulting gas mixture. The gas is upgraded to produce Bio-SNG (Synthetic Natural Gas) replacing fossil fuel in the gas grid. Carbon dioxide can be recovered and sold, excess hydrogen is recycled.
Uses of Bio-SNG
By upgrading the quality of generated gas to that of (fossil) natural gas, Bio-SNG can be injected into the local natural gas grid. Bio-SNG can also be used in a natural gas filling stations (to fuel CNG vehicles).
MoW-Technology in application
The methanation process (MoW), which is developed in cooperation of some Universities and the Paul Scherer Institut (PSI), CTU has launched a 1 MW pilot plant.
Methanation process in application
The methanation process, although relatively new, is widely popular in Europe.
CTU, in cooperation with the Paul-Scherer Institute and Austrian partners, has launched a 1 MW pilot plant as a part of the EU research project. The results have proven that the technology is also suited for commercial applications.
The methanation process can be implemented to handle capacities of 20 MW and above.