BioMatNet Item: JOULE JOR3-CT97-0138 - Combined low temperature gasification and combustion for clean power production from straw and biomass with high ash content (LOTEGAS)

[BioMatNet Database - European Commission]

JOULE JOR3-CT97-0138
Combined low temperature gasification and combustion for clean power production from straw and biomass with high ash content (LOTEGAS)

Contacts

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Electricity : JOULE/THERMIE Programme : Solid Biofuels : Straw : Thermochemical Conversion : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	JOR3-CT97-0138
	EC Contribution	788,256 ECU
	Start Date	01/03/97
	Duration	24 Months

Combined low temperature gasification and combustion for clean power production from straw and biomass with high ash content (LOTEGAS)

Objectives

The aim is to verify, theoretically and at pilot scale, the functioning of a novel low-temperature biomass gasification technology and associated combustion system. A 3 to 4 MW_th fuel input system will be designed for use with straw with a high (4-6%) inorganic ash content. Built on the basis of a combination of laboratory experiments and engineering know-how, it will be tested for at least 100 hours. Components for a full-scale system (30 to 50 MW_th) will be designed and detailed for 3 different European countries. A systems synthesis including environmental aspects of emissions of solids (ash/particles), liquids (water-soluble minerals) and gases (especially NO_x) will be prepared.

Technical Approach

The core of the process is a specially designed reactor tube, where compressed cut straw is subjected to radially introduced gasification media (air or mixture of air and flue gases) at an elevated temperature during axial transport. The ensuing pyrolysis and charring processes are controlled at a temperature level (in the range 400 - 600^oC), where chlorine compounds are retained in a solid phase. The pyrolytic gases and the solid phase are subsequently separated (a mixture of approximately 50% gas and 50% char on a calorific basis is expected). After washing (to remove around 80% of the inorganic compounds) the solids are finally burned together with the pyrolytic gases in a specially designed combustion system. The resulting flue gases, after combustion will basically be clean, making the system suitable for heating stand alone power boilers and also for biomass cofiring with fossil fuel in central power plants.

The gasifier, associated feeding system and combustor will be tested in a pilot plant. Software for the simulation of the reactor and burner will be developed. The design of the particle separation system will be based on existing engineering know-how and experiences and the basic data for the char washing system will be developed in the laboratory.

Expected Results and Exploitation

After completion of the project, it is expected that the basic information necessary to continue with a full-scale demonstration will be available. This could take place in a cooperation with the Danish power utilities ELSAM, which were involved in a previous feasibility study concerning this technology, and which will be kept informed on the progress of the current project. The potential for using the technology appears significant, and may represent the only possibility of utilising large amounts of biomass in connection with both centralised and decentralised power production. The industrial partners in the project all have significant positions in the electro-mechanical industry and exploitation of this technology will be fully inside the partners core businesses.

Contacts

Coordinator

Bjorn TEISLEV / Babcock and Wilcox Volund AS Research and Development Centre / DENMARK

Participant