EUBCE 2026 - Sebastian BORGQUIST - Pilot Demonstration of an Innovative Electrochemical Biogas Cleaning Process

Pilot Demonstration of an Innovative Electrochemical Biogas Cleaning Process

Short Introductive summary

Biogas is an increasingly important renewable energy source, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. However, its direct use and upgrading to biomethane are challenged by the presence of impurities such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), mercaptans, ketones, and terpenes. These contaminants are corrosive, toxic, and can damage catalysts used in downstream processes. Conventional biogas cleaning technologies are often expensive, chemically intensive, and poorly suited to handle fluctuations in impurity concentrations. This study presents the development and pilot-scale demonstration of a novel electrochemical biogas cleaning technology. The process utilizes an oxidative agent (chlorine) to remove impurities from the biogas in an absorber column. The spent agent is regenerated in an electrochemical cell, enabling continuous operation without chemical consumption or oxygen addition. This results in a cost-effective, flexible, and environmentally friendly purification method. A 10 Nm3/h mobile pilot unit was tested at a biogas facility in Denmark to evaluate the technology under real operating conditions. Results showed effective and stable removal of H2S and a wide range of other

S. Borgquist, DTU Chemical Engineering, Kongens Lyngby, DENMARK
S.N.B. Villadsen, DTU Chemical Engineering, Kongens Lyngby, DENMARK
C. Warm, DTU Chemical Engineering, Kongens Lyngby, DENMARK
P.L. Fosbøl, DTU Chemical Engineering, Kongens Lyngby, DENMARK