Welcome to the Biomass conversion technologies database which you can access underneath! 

Through the underneath table users can access the database on lignocellulosic biomass conversion technologies characteristics (click on the number in last column). The data included in this database are feeding the Bio2Match, the BeWhere and the LocaGIStics tools all accessible via the main menu in this toolset under 'Tools'. accessible under the ‘Tool'  tab in the main menu above. In the process of creating the database it was ensured to take up the technologies relevant for producing the products described in the product market combinations in WP7 and that were the basis for assessing 2020 and 2030 biomass demand and consumption levels (see Tab 'General data' ---> 'Biomass demand'. For heat, power and fuels, several technologies are available in the database, while for other bio-based products (especially through the sugar platform) some but fewer conversion technologies are included. This is a representation of the technology readiness levels and the current and expected market situation for these products.

In the underneath table an overview is provided of all technologies included in the conversion technologies database. To access the detailed technology characterisation sheets in de database click on the technology number in the last column of the table.  To return to the overview table again click on the return arrow

The technologies covered can be classified in 6 main categories: treatment in subcritical water, syngas platform, gasification technologies, fast pyrolysis, direct combustion of solid biomass, chemical pretreatment, biochemical hydrolisis and fermentation and anearobic digestion. For a further description of the biomass conversion technologies database please consult D2.3The method developed in S2BIOM for minimal biomass quality requirement for each biomass conversion technology is described in D2.1 and  D2.2.

Conversion technologies Conversion technologies

Back

View details of Fast pyrolysis of residues

GENERAL PROPERTIES
Name Fast pyrolysis of residues
Main category Fast pyrolysis
Subcategory Pyrolysis plus boiler for heat and steam
Image url
Year of first implementation 2005
Estimated number of systems in operation
Main operating principle:
Conversion of biomass into bio-oil (pyrolysis oil) by the pyrolysis process. Excess heat is used for power and heat generation.

Level of commercial application First commercial demonstration plant is operational
Important pilots and EU projects EMPYRO
Expected Developments Upscaling and rolling out more pyrolysis plants
Current Technology Readiness Level Level 7, Integrated pilot system demonstrated
Expected Technology Readiness Level in 2030 Level 9, System ready for full scale deployment
Justify expected Level in 2030
References:




TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
Capacity of outputs (typical values)
Power                      (MWe) 0.1
Conversion efficiencies: net returns electricity(GJ/GJ biomass input) typical: 0.0047 min: max:   typical in 2020: typical in 2030:  

Heat                      (MWth) 3.4
Conversion efficiencies: net returns heat(GJ/GJ biomass input) typical: 0.1611 min: max:   typical in 2020: typical in 2030:  

Pyrolysis oil                      (m3/hour) 2.7125     LHV  (GJ / m3) 19.2
Conversion efficiencies: net returns biofuels and biobased products(GJ/GJ biomass input) typical: 0.6824 min: max:   typical in 2020: typical in 2030:  


Data sources used to define conversion efficiencies in 2014:


External inputs (not generated by the biomass in the conversion process)
- No external inputs

Indication: experience based data No

Number of possible full load hours per year (hours) 8000
Number of typical full load hours per year (hours) 7000
Typical Lifetime of Equipment (years) 25
Data sources used to define conversion efficiencies in 2020:


Data sources used to define conversion efficiencies in 2030:


General data sources for technical properties:



BIOMASS INPUT SPECIFICATIONS
Biomass input, common for the technology used:    Cereals straw, Straw/stubbles;  Sunflower straw, Straw/stubbles;  Logging residues from final fellings originating from nonconifer trees, Logging residues from final fellings & thinnings;  Logging residues from final fellings originating from conifer trees, Logging residues from final fellings & thinnings; 
Biomass input, technically possible but not common:    Rice straw, Straw/stubbles;  Maize stover, Straw/stubbles;    Residues from further woodprocessing, Other wood processing industry residues;  Sawmill residues: excluding sawdust, conifers, Saw mill residues;
    Sawdust from sawmills from nonconifers, Saw mill residues;    Miscanthus (Perennial grass), Energy grasses, annual & perennial crops;  Switchgrass (Perennial grass), Energy grasses, annual & perennial crops;  SRC Willow, Short rotation coppice;
Traded form Chopped straw or energy grass
Dimensions length (mm) 45

Moisture content (% wet basis) typical 30 max 55
Minimal bulk density (kg/m3, wet basis) 100
Maximum ash content (% dry basis) 9
Minimal ash melting point (= initial deformation temperature) (°C) 850
Volatile matter (only for thermally trated material, torrefied or steam explosed) (VM%)

Maximum allowable contents
Nitrogen, N (wt%, dry) 2.5 Sulphur, S (wt%, dry) Chlorine, Cl (wt%, dry) 0.3
Optional attributes
Net caloric value (MJ/kg) min 8 max
Gross caloric value (MJ/kg) min max
Biogas yield (m3 gas/ton dry biomass) % methane
Cellulose content (g/kg dry matter) min max
Hemicellulose content (g/kg dry matter) min max
Lignin content (g/kg dry matter) min max
Crude fibre content (g/kg dry matter) min max
Starch content (g/kg dry matter) min max
Sugar content (g/kg dry matter) min max
Fat content (g/kg dry matter) min max
Protein content (g/kg dry matter) min max
Acetyl group content (g/kg dry matter) min max

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROPERTIES
Investments costs in 2014 (€): 17000000 expected in 2020 (€): 17000000 expected in 2030 (€): 13600000
Labour needed Operators (FTE): 6 Staff and engineering (FTE): 1

Edited by: Rik te Raa, Douwe van den Berg, Tijs Lammens