Biomass Processing
Biomass Processing
Biomass with its low content of mineral components and sulfur remains of great interest as a sustainable source of carbon. Thus, for more than two decades TMEC’s engineers has been working on improvement of conventional technologies utilizing biomass. With regard to variety of agriculture wastes applications and their costs, our team developed a two-stage technology that converts biomass into two products:
- combustible gas fuel for heating or power purposes;
- ultrapure carbon applicable in protective paints and coatings.
Development of biomass processing technologies by TMEC at different stages
The initial stage involves oxidative pyrolysis conducted at temperatures 700-800°C without any external source of heat. The stability of such conditions is provided is provided by relevant determined by the reaction rate and heat exchange between the biomass and gases in dependence on airflow rate. Operating modes that provide stable process were developed during testing. The pilot reactor of 100 kW capacity consists of a vertical shaft-type chamber, air supply system and control panel.
The process occurs in a thin layer moving through packed bed of material due to chemical reactions between air and biomass. The specific ratio between the gas agent and material results in incomplete burning with a semi product (coal residue) aftermaths. The pyrolysis gases contain CO, CO2, H2, CH4, N2, H2O, O2 and a significant amount of tars which decompose due to direct contact with the hot product.
A batch pyrolysis reactor developed by TMEC engineers
The second stage of the technology is based on the carbon purification at temperatures up to 3000°C in a batch or continuous reactor. The technology provides fast purification of carbon within several minutes that is quite enough to decrease total ash content to less than 0.01%.