Paper details

Title:

Technological Pathways and Economics of DME-production from "Dry" Biomass

Author(s):

Schulzke, T., Unger, C., Girod, K., Jänisch, T.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Two different concepts for large­scale production of dimethyl ether (DME) from wood were developed. These concepts are based around wood gasifiers and single­pass DME synthesis reactor. The main differences between the two concepts are the two gasifiers adopted. Specifically one uses a steam blown atmospheric circulating fluidised bed (CFB) gasifier in comparison to a pressurised (CFB) gasifier utilising a mixture of steam and oxygen as gasifying agents used in the other. Results of the simulations showed, that 600 kg/h or 1 040 kg/h DME could be produced from concept 1 and concept 2, respectively. But however, electricity generation from gas and steam turbines is higher for concept 1, for which reason total efficiency concerning DME and electricity production is nearly equal for both concepts. Finally, economics of these two concepts were investigated. The investment cost for concept 2 were considerably higher than for concept 1, which can be accounted to higher cost of pressurised gasification. This disadvantage of concept 2 ultimately leads to better overall profitability of concept 1. From analysis of both concepts the DME synthesis step is identified as major bottle neck. Therefore, Fraunhofer UMSICHT installs a flexible test plant for the future investigation of this reaction.

Keywords:

biomass to liquid (BtL), dimethyl ether, economics, polygeneration, biofuels

Topic:

Processes for Fuels from Biomass

Subtopic:

Production and supply of second generation biofuels

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

VP3.5.5

Pages:

2153 - 2159

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-VP3.5.5

Price:

FREE