Title:
Advanced Biomethane Production via Gasification Using Blends of Lignocellulosic Biomass and Sludge
Author(s):
Rijo, B., Nobre, C., Brito, P.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The ongoing decarbonization of the energy and transport systems is a current challenge in Europe. As the rising prices of fossil natural gas make evident, the need to increase renewable gas capacity is undeniable and goes hand in hand with solving bottlenecks that current biomethane production technologies cannot effectively address. This study explores a sustainable approach to increasing biomethane production on a European scale through the thermochemical recovery of low-value waste, such as wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge. Gasification of these wastes produces syngas, which, combined with green hydrogen from water electrolysis, enhances biomethane production. The innovative aspect of this work lies in identifying and addressing critical technical and operational challenges within the equipment, particularly in the dryer, and gasifier reactor. The conducted work involved drying sewage sludge samples, which initially had a high moisture content of around 80%. The drying experiments, conducted in a muffle furnace at a 120ºC for 24h, reduced the moisture content significantly. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under nitrogen flow showed a marked mass loss up to 200ºC, highlighting the crucial need to minimize energy costs and prevent equipment damage during drying. Characterization of the sludge and biomass mixtures revealed the sludge had an ash content of 39.4%, significantly higher than the 5.4% in lignocellulosic biomass, posing challenges for gasification. High ash content can cause reactor blockages and agglomeration, suggesting the need for sludge pre-treatment and co-gasification with low-ash biomass. Moreover, expected results indicate that co-gasification with biomass and pre-treatment strategies, such as acid leaching, can mitigate these issues, enhancing process efficiency. The proposed concept offers an environmentally friendly solution for converting waste into renewable gases, effectively addressing both high moisture and ash content challenges.
Keywords:
biomass, drying, gasification, methane, sewage sludge, syngas
Topic:
Biomass Conversion for Bioenergy
Subtopic:
Gasification for synthesis gas production
Event:
32nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4BV.1.9
Pages:
549 - 551
ISBN:
978-88-89407-24-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/32ndEUBCE2024-4BV.1.9
Price:
FREE
