EUBCE 2024 - Pedro ANSELMO FILHO - A Novel Approach for Methanol Production from Biogas: Modelling a Sorption-Enhanced Methanol Synthesis Biorefinery

A Novel Approach for Methanol Production from Biogas: Modelling a Sorption-Enhanced Methanol Synthesis Biorefinery

Short Introductive summary

This study explores syngas application in biomass for methanol production, emphasising residual material valorisation. Biomethane reforming into separate streams of H2 and CO2 offers an energy-efficient alternative, followed by catalytic CO2 hydrogenation for methanol. Sorption Enhanced Steam/Methane Reforming (SER) has commendably evolved, achieving an intermediate Technological Readiness Level (TRL) with cost-effective particle life cycles. Integrating SER for H2 and CO2 from biogas, especially for Sorption Enhanced Methanol Synthesis (SEMS), holds promise for environmentally conscious initiatives. Challenges in catalytic CO2 hydrogenation, especially with Cu/ZnO/Al2O3, require further investigation for scale and technology dissemination. In-situ water removal’s benefits form the focal point of techno-economic analyses for optimal binary particle interaction, reduced operational pressure, and temperature. The proposed SER/SEMS plant, conceptualised for hydrogen and CO2 utilisation in methanol production, aligns with recent literature, providing a baseline for pilot plant scale-ups. Figures visually depict the sorption-enhanced approach’s effectiveness.

P. Anselmo-Filho, Institute for Energy Technology, Kjeller, NORWAY
L. Gavrilovic, Institute for Energy Technology, Kjeller, NORWAY
S. Kazi, Institute for Energy Technology, Kjeller, NORWAY
A.G.P. Oliveira, Institute for Energy Technology, Kjeller, NORWAY