A pre-study of biogas production by low-temperature pyrolysis of biomass

About the project

This project has performed a cross-disciplinary study of the low-temperature route of biogas production from bio­mass, evaluating different aspects of biomass production and chemical conversion. An assessment of suitable agricultural residues and energy crops for low temperature pyrolysis defines the entire supply chain from the field to the plant, including harvesting techniques, transport, storage and up-grading. Aspen Plus simulation is used for design and  process integration of a low temperature biogas production module in a combined heat and power (CHP) plant.

Potential results from the study can be useful for cost estimations and overall cycle efficiencies. Pyrolysis of biomass can be performed without oxygen and thereby enables production of biogas from a wide range of raw materials. Also, low-temperature pyrolysis minimizes risks of ash-melting and release of alkali metal potentially making it especially advantageous for alkali-rich biomass or biomass with a low ash-melting point that are difficult to gasify at high temperatures. A high energy exchange is possible, and by locating plants next to central heating systems or heat-demanding industry efficiency gains can be made.