BioMethan

The upgrading of biogas to biomethane offers particular potential, with a wide range of possible applications.

The raw biogas is dried, desulphurized, and refined to natural gas quality using two states of the art technology carbon dioxide separation processes.

Multiple Use for Biomethane

Biomethane is used for power and heat generation in decentralized combined heat and power plants and in larger central plants with cogeneration. It is also used for heat generation in highly efficient gas-fired condensing heating systems or as a renewable fuel in natural gas vehicles.

Integration into Existing Energy Supply

Biomethane injected into the natural gas grid is efficiently stored and transported to the nearest most suitable location. This flexibility is beneficial for both municipalities and large industries in generating energy, providing an economical heat supply, and improving their carbon footprint.

Quality as High as Natural Gas

Due to its high quality, biomethan is perfectly compatible with existing technical facilities. It is comparable with conventional natural gas and issued as a renewable fuel in natural gas vehicles – an important aspect for vehicle fleets used in energyself-sufficient communities and energy-efficient industrial enterprises.

Protection of the Climate

Biomethane contributes to a versatile energy mix and supplements proven energy generation technologies. It also reduces dependency on natural gas imports. Furthermore, biogas technology coupled with gas upgrading contributes to the reduction of climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions.

Two Upgrading Technologies

Depending on the infrastructure, there is the choice between a chemical and a physical process.

BioMethan Membrane Technology

We offer a pressure-controlled biogas upgrading process, which is adjusted in line with the client’s needs to deliver the required throughput and gas purity. By means of membrane-based gas permeation, the raw biogas is dried efficiently using minimum primary energy. It is then desulphurized and the low-calorific carbon dioxide is subsequently separated using high-quality membrane modules. These consist of several thousand extremely fine hollow fibers; the ends are embedded in resin and bundled in stainless steel pipes. The membranes are characterized by high pressure and temperature resistance, pressure stability, and different gas permeability. The above-average carbon dioxide and methane selectivity allow for methane purity of 98 % and methane slip of below 0.5 %.

BioMethan Amine Scrubbing

We also offer a gas upgrading system with a heatdrivenamine scrubbing process. This technology is very suitable if the exhaust gas heat from the gas upgrading plant’s CHP engine or any other low-cost heat can be made available as process heat. In this segment, we offer a highly efficient, economical process technology ensuring high availability, with methane purity of up to 99.5 % and methane slip of below 0.1 %.

Tailor-Made Solutions

With the proven modular construction, each plant is configured to the individual requirements of the operator and the project. Above all, HZI BioMethancan deliver the appropriate gas injection plant as required.

HZI BioMethan specializes in the small batch production of standardized plants. The gas upgrading plants are prefabricated in Europe. The complete electrical installations, sensor wiring, and process control installation are already carried out in the production hall. The work is completed with the automation testing and visualization of the process. The plant is delivered with a tested plant control system, and is checked to ensure it has been properly assembled and has no leaks. This enables smooth and timely commissioning on site.

BioMethan Bio-CNG Filling Station

Biomethane is produced very cost efficiently from biogas derived from anaerobic digestion plants likeKompogas®, waste water treatment plants or other biogas producing facilities. Biogas from these sources is ideal for conversion into bio-CNG. We therefore offer an innovative combination of membrane-based gas upgrading and CNG technology. Our design is standalone, all-in-one solution capable of complying with highest quality requirements for the fueling of individual vehicles or a whole fleet, while providing the comfort of being as easy to use as a conventional filling station.

Key Facts of the Membrane Technology

• Functional principle: physical permeation
• Electricity demand: 0.24 kWhel/m³ biogas,17 % reduction in electricity consumption compared with the conventional membrane system
• Outlet pressure: 6 – 16 bar. Modular construction for separation degree and methane purity
• Complies with CNG requirements

Key Facts of Amine Scrubbing

• Functional principle: chemical absorption
• Electricity demand: 0.1 kWhel/m³ biogas
• Heat demand: 0.6 kWhth/m³ biogas, preferred when process heat is available
• Outlet pressure: 0.1 – 0.15 bar
• Complies with CNG requirements