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

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View details of Syngas to methanol

GENERAL PROPERTIES
Name Syngas to methanol
Main category Syngas platform
Subcategory Fluidised bed gasification for methanol production
Image url
Year of first implementation
Estimated number of systems in operation 0
Main operating principle:
Syngas production: Biomass is gasified at pressurised CFB gasifier operated at ca. 5 bar and 900 degrees C. Product gas is cooled to 550 degrees C, filtered and led into catalytic reformer where tars and hydrocarbon gases are reformed. Then product gas is cleaned, conditioned and pressurised to fuel synthesis. For 2020, a target case is assumed based on hot-filtration of dusty tar-laden product gas at the gasifier's outlet temperature without prior cooling. For 2030, another target case is assumed, again based on hot-filtration of dusty tar-laden product gas at the gasifier's outlet temperature without prior cooling, including gasification taking place at 22 bar. //// Methanol synthesis: The synthesis of methanol takes place within a quasi-isothermal (around 250 degrees C) reactor technology at 80 bar. The produced methanol will then be purified via a two-stage separation approach based on distillation.

Level of commercial application Demonstrated at pilot scale
Important pilots and EU projects VTT pilot plant
Expected Developments
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 Further development on-going
References:
VTT Technology 91, 2013 Hannula, Ilkka; & Kurkela, Esa. 2013. Liquid transportation fuels via large-scale fluidised-bed gasification of lignocellulosic biomass. Espoo, VTT.


TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
Capacity of outputs (typical values)
Heat                      (MWth) 45
Conversion efficiencies: net returns heat(GJ/GJ biomass input) typical: 0.15 min: 0.10 max: 0.20   typical in 2020: 0.10 typical in 2030: 0.20  

Methanol                      (m3/hour) 41.8     LHV  (GJ / m3) 15.7
Conversion efficiencies: net returns biofuels and biobased products(GJ/GJ biomass input) typical: 0.6 min: 0.55 max: 0.67   typical in 2020: 0.65 typical in 2030: 0.55  


Data sources used to define conversion efficiencies in 2014:
VTT Technology 91, 2013 Hannula, Ilkka; & Kurkela, Esa. 2013. Liquid transportation fuels via large-scale fluidised-bed gasification of lignocellulosic biomass. Espoo, VTT.
External inputs (not generated by the biomass in the conversion process)
Power     (kW): 5000

Indication: experience based data No

Number of possible full load hours per year (hours) 8500
Number of typical full load hours per year (hours) 8000
Typical Lifetime of Equipment (years) 40
Data sources used to define conversion efficiencies in 2020:
VTT Technology 91, 2013 Hannula, Ilkka; & Kurkela, Esa. 2013. Liquid transportation fuels via large-scale fluidised-bed gasification of lignocellulosic biomass. Espoo, VTT.
Data sources used to define conversion efficiencies in 2030:
VTT Technology 91, 2013 Hannula, Ilkka; & Kurkela, Esa. 2013. Liquid transportation fuels via large-scale fluidised-bed gasification of lignocellulosic biomass. Espoo, VTT.
General data sources for technical properties:
VTT Technology 91, 2013 Hannula, Ilkka; & Kurkela, Esa. 2013. Liquid transportation fuels via large-scale fluidised-bed gasification of lignocellulosic biomass. Espoo, VTT.

BIOMASS INPUT SPECIFICATIONS
Biomass input, common for the technology used:    Stemwood from thinnings originating from nonconifer trees, Stemwood from final fellings & thinnings;  Stemwood from thinnings originating from conifer trees, Stemwood from final fellings & thinnings;  Bark residues from pulp and paper industry, Secondary residues from pulp and paper industry;  Residues from further woodprocessing, Other wood processing industry residues;  Non hazardous post consumer wood, Post consumer wood;
Biomass input, technically possible but not common:           
           
Traded form Wood chips
Dimensions P31S: 3,15 mm < P < 31,5 mm     Fine fraction F25: < 25 %

Moisture content (% wet basis) typical 15 max 25
Minimal bulk density (kg/m3, wet basis) 120
Maximum ash content (% dry basis) 3
Minimal ash melting point (= initial deformation temperature) (°C) 1000
Volatile matter (only for thermally trated material, torrefied or steam explosed) (VM%)

Maximum allowable contents
Nitrogen, N (wt%, dry) 1 Sulphur, S (wt%, dry) 0.1 Chlorine, Cl (wt%, dry) 0.05
Optional attributes
Net caloric value (MJ/kg) min 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 (€): 350000000 expected in 2020 (€): 345000000 expected in 2030 (€): 340000000
Labour needed Operators (FTE): 25 Staff and engineering (FTE): 20

Edited by: Hamid Mozaffarian, Tijs Lammens