The TCR®-oils generated were, in both cases, of high grade and low viscosity. The water content was found to be 3.9 % (TCR®-2) and 4.0 % for (TCR®-30); total acid numbers were in the range of 4.9 and 5.0 mg KOH per g oil. The higher heating values for the TCR®-2 oil was 35.6 MJ/kg which was similar to the HHV of the TCR®-30 oil which had a value of 35.7 MJ/kg. Results from ultimate analysis have shown almost identical numbers for both plants (see Tab. 2). TCR®-2
TCR®-30
C
[wt%]
75.8
76.6
H
[wt%]
7.4
7.7
N
[wt%]
6.0
5.4
S
[wt%]
1.9
1.2
Ash
[wt%]
<0.05
<0.05
O*
[wt%]
8.9
9.1
HHV
[MJ/kg]
35.6
35.7
HO
[wt%]
3.9
4.0
TAN
[mg KOH/g]
4.9
5.0
2
Table 2.Properties of oil from digestate (*: calculated by difference)
The carbonisates from laboratory and pilot scale experiments had a HHV of 17.5 MJ/kg (TCR®-2) and 17.8 MJ/kg (TCR®-30). The results from ultimate analysis have shown similar numbers (see Tab. 3). The difference in the oxygen is due to the fact, that the oxygen content is calculated by difference. As the carbonisates have a high ash content of almost 45 %, small variations in the determination of the ash content are directly influencing the calculated oxygen content. TCR®-2
TCR®-30
C
[wt%]
48.3
49.7
H
[wt%]
2.0
0.9
N
[wt%]
1.5
1.5
S
[wt%]
0.3
1.2
Ash
[wt%]
47.8
43.9
O*
[wt%]
0.1
2.8
HHV
[MJ/kg]
17.5
17.8
•
• • • •
About 75 % of chemical energy of the feedstock is transferred to the products. If the heat provided for biomass drying is considered, this figure rises up to 90 %. Dust-free product gas consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane, together with a low proportion of higher hydrocarbons. High quality oil with a high heating value and a low acid number. Carbonisates with a high level of carbon and a high potential as a fertilizer substitute. Through the robust, containerized system design, local plant sizes of about 200 to 300 kWel can be economically installed.
Conclusion
The TCR® process was successfully scaled up from laboratory to pilot scale. Product quality, heating value, as well as results of ultimate analysis could be transferred from lab to pilot scale. Currently, a TCR®-300 (300 kg/h throughput) is in the design process. Referring to the positive results for the upscale from TCR®-2 to TCR®-30, as well as promising hands-on experience during 15 months of TCR®-30 operation, a further up-scale to the TCR®-300 plant shows reasonable promise of equal product qualities for gas, oil, and carbonisate products.
FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY, AND ENERGY TECHNOLOGY UMSICHT INSTITUTE BRANCH SULZBACH-ROSENBERG
FRAUNHOFER UMSICHT INSTITUTE BRANCH
Table 3.Properties of carbonisate from digestate (*: calculated by difference)
Results
40 Be
The process stands out considerably in terms of technology from other thermochemical procedures: • High operational stability by avoiding the formation of dust and tar. • Products with moisture content of up to 30 % can be processed without any further drying. In addition, in case of a feedstock with moisture content higher than 50 %, the process generates sufficient heat to dry the feedstock to the required level for processing. • High feedstock and product flexibility.
Since institute develops concepts Since 1990 1990thethe research institute in and Sulzprocesses which directly relate to the economy bach-Rosenberg develops concepts and in order to allocate and application. make an efficient of processes for direct Theuse target energy, raw materials and materials. Within the focus is the efficient use for energy, raw Center of Energy Storage the focus lies on inteand functional materials. Within and the storage Center grated and decentralized conversion of energy. EnergyWe Storage the main inteof accompanie clients research from the development of processes up to of theintegrated pilot plant, and rests are the development and from the development of a product up to its pilot decentralized energy conversion and storage production. solutions.