Showing papers on "Substitute natural gas published in 2011"

BioSNG—process simulation and comparison with first results from a 1-MW demonstration plant

Abstract: High oil prices and peak oil, next to ecological aspects, increase the necessity of governmental support regarding the use of renewable energy resources. Biomass is a renewable energy source, which allows a sustainable utilization for several reasons. Its carbon dioxide neutrality and high availability in countries across Europe make economic usage of this source possible. Nowadays, biomass is used in rather conservative ways to produce heat and/or electric power. A more sophisticated way of using wood is transforming it into a secondary energy source by liquefaction and gasification. The product of the gasification process—considered in this paper—is a medium calorific product gas, which is nearly free of nitrogen and has a H2/CO ratio favourable for synthesis processes. Therefore, the product gas can be converted into a synthetic natural gas (BioSNG). In Gussing (Austria), the concept of a steam blown dual fluidized bed gasifier coupled to a catalytic conversion of the product gas to BioSNG could be proven successfully. A slipstream was used to run a demonstration unit with a capacity of 1 MW BioSNG. The resulting BioSNG exceeded the regulations for injection into the natural gas grid. The compressed BioSNG was stored in a fuelling station to supply CNG cars with energy. Thus, the applicability of using BioSNG in CNG cars was proven as well. The simulation software IPSEpro was used to model the overall system of gasification, gas cleaning, methanation and upgrading to BioSNG. The aim of this modelling work was to evaluate the optimization potential within the system and improve the economic and ecologic situation. Moreover, this tool will also be used to scale-up the process hereafter.

Co-methanation of CO and CO2 on the NiX-Fe1−X/Al2O3 catalysts; effect of Fe contents

Abstract: The co-methanation of carbon dioxide containing syngas was carried out on Al2O3 supported NixFe1−x (x is 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9) catalysts for synthetic natural gas (SNG) production. The catalysts were prepared by wet-impregnation method taking 20 weight percent of the metallic component over the support, and its characteristics were analyzed by BET surface area, XRD and H2-TPR. The maximum carbon conversion and CH4 selectivity are achieved on Ni0.7Fe0.3/Al2O3 catalyst. Further, increase of Fe content led to enhancing the water gas shift reaction and hydrocarbon formation.

Catalysts for dual fluidised bed biomass gasification—an experimental study at the pilot plant scale

Abstract: Energy from renewable sources is expected to contribute increasingly to the future energy supply. Particularly, the utilisation of biomass via gasification features a high potential for local energy supply. In addition to the conventional heat and power supply, the biomass-derived product gas is utilisable for further conversion, e.g. into liquid fuels, synthetic natural gas or even chemicals. In the field of biomass gasification systems, fluidised bed gasification has achieved notable relevance. Biomass gasification by fluidised bed processing produces high-quality product gas. However, the technical and economical effectiveness is not yet competitive. A major issue is the purity of the product gas, which is mainly focused on the gasification originating tar. A promising option to yield tar-free product gas is the application of a catalyst directly in the fluidised bed process. The present paper outlines catalysts for biomass gasification in fluidised bed processing. Recent activities in the development of gasifier catalysts are highlighted. Different catalysts are described depending on their performance and capability regarding tar conversion. The scope of catalysts ranges from naturally occurring materials to synthetic materials.

Gas Production, 2. Processes

Abstract: The article contains sections titled: 1. Steam Reforming of Natural Gas and Other Hydrocarbons 1.1. Feedstocks 1.2. Natural Gas and Other Gaseous Hydrocarbons 1.2.1. Principles 1.2.2. Catalysts, Catalyst Poisons, Desulfurization 1.2.3. Tubular Reformers 1.2.4. Production of Fuel Gas and Synthesis Gas 1.2.5. Special Reforming Processes 1.3. Tubular Steam Reforming of Liquid Hydrocarbons 1.3.1. Commercial Processes 1.3.2. Fuel Gas and Synthesis Gas from Liquid Hydrocarbons 1.3.3. Special Processes 1.4. Prereforming 1.4.1. Principles 1.4.2. Catalysts 1.4.3. Prereforming of Natural Gas 1.4.4. Prereforming of Naphtha; Rich Gas Process 1.5. Autothermal Catalytic Reforming 2. Noncatalytic Partial Oxidation and Special Gasification Processes for Higher-Boiling Hydrocarbons 2.1. Raw Materials 2.2. Partial Oxidation of Hydrocarbons 2.2.1. Principle 2.2.2. Types of Processes 2.2.3. Influencing Raw Gas Composition 2.2.4. Submerged Flame Process 2.3. Hydrogenating Gasification 3. Gas Production from Coal, Wood, and Other Solid Feedstocks 3.1. Fundamentals 3.1.1. Thermodynamics of Chemical Reactions 3.1.2. Kinetics 3.2. Classification and General Characteristics of Gasification Processes 3.2.1. Criteria for Classification 3.2.2. Criteria for Process Assessment 3.2.3. Mathematical Modeling of Gasification Reactors 3.3. Characterization of Solid Feedstocks for Gasification 3.4. Moving- or Fixed-Bed Processes 3.5. Fluidized-Bed Processes 3.6. Entrained-Flow Processes 3.7. Molten-Bath Processes 3.8. Underground Coal Gasification 3.9. Environmental Aspects of Gasification

Model documentation for biomass, cellulosic biofuels, renewable and conventional electricity, natural gas and coal markets.

Abstract: Any opinion, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the funding sources. Permission is granted to reproduce this information with appropriate attribution to the authors and FAPRI–MU.

Gas Production, 1. Introduction

Abstract: The article contains sections titled: 1. Types of Gases; General Overview of Production Methods and Characteristics 1.1. Water Gas and Producer Gas 1.2. Synthesis Gas and Reduction Gas 1.3. Town Gas and Medium-Btu Gas 1.4. Biogas and Landfill Gas 1.5. Rich Gas and Substitute Natural Gas (SNG) 2. Raw Materials for Gasification 3. Physicochemical Basis for Gas Production 4. Characteristics of the Basic Processes 5. Product Gas Treatment 5.1. Purification Processes 5.2. Conditioning 5.3. Byproducts 6. Acknowledgement

Upgrading of Methane from Biogas by Pressure Swing Adsorption

Abstract: The researches about upgrading of methane from biogas by pressure swing absorption are introduced in this paper. Biogas contains 55~70% methane (CH4) which is the main component of natural gas. If other components of biogas are removed, biogas is upgraded to SNG (Substitute Natural Gas). The processes of upgrading of methane from biogas by PSA or VPSA (Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption) are presented. Different techniques which are used for upgrading of biogas are evaluated. Finally, prospect about this process is made.

Method for producing synthetic natural gas

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for producing synthetic natural gas, which belongs to the technical field of coal chemistry and new energy. The method for producing the synthetic natural gas comprises: dividing raw material gases from a general gas source into low-carbon synthetic gases with a hydrogen to carbon ratio, namely a (H2-CO2) to (H2+CO2) ratio, being 4.5 to 15.0 and high-carbon synthetic gases with a hydrogen to carbon ratio being 0 to 2.0; according to a reaction temperature requirement, mixing the low-carbon synthetic gases with steam at certain flow, allowing the mixed gases to enter a primary thermal-insulation reactor to undergo a methanation reaction, subjecting the gases from the primary thermal-insulation reactor to heat exchange, mixing the gases with the high-carbon synthetic gases at a certain flow, and allowing the newly mixed gases into a secondary thermal-insulation reactor to undergo a methanation reaction; repeating the previous process for several times; and finally, obtaining the synthetic natural gas by processes of heat exchange, cooling, drying, compression and the like. The method has the characteristics that: (1) circulating equipment is not used; (2) all reactions are performed in thermal-insulation reactors, multiple stages of reactors are connected in series, and the reaction space velocity is high; and (3) the hydrogen to carbon ratio of the whole reaction system can be regulated easily, and the methane content in the product gas may reach over 95 percent.

Integration of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors into Industrial Process Applications

Abstract: This report is a preliminary comparison of conventional and potential HTGR-integrated processesa in several common industrial areas: ? Producing electricity via a traditional power cycle ? Producing hydrogen ? Producing ammonia and ammonia-derived products, such as fertilizer ? Producing gasoline and diesel from natural gas or coal ? Producing substitute natural gas from coal, and ? Steam-assisted gravity drainage (extracting oil from tar sands).

Sources of Hydrocarbons

Abstract: This chapter discusses the sources of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon fuels (gas, liquid, and solid) are those combustible or energy generating molecular species that can be harnessed to create mechanical energy. Petroleum-based hydrocarbon fuels are well-established products that have served industry and consumers. Hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline and diesel from other sources, are making headway into the fuel balance. Coal, natural gas, and oil shale have been touted, and used to some extent, as sources of hydrocarbon. Natural gas is a gaseous hydrocarbon-based fossil fuel which consists primarily of methane but contains significant quantities of ethane, propane, butane, and other hydrocarbons up to octane as well as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen sulfide. The production of hydrocarbons from sources other than petroleum broadly covers liquid fuels that are produced from tar sand bitumen, coal, oil shale, and natural gas.

Process for the production of substitute natural gas

Abstract: A process for the production of substitute natural gas comprising: providing a feed gas to a first and/or second and/or subsequent bulk methanator; subjecting that feed gas to methanation in the presence of a suitable catalyst; removing an at least partially reacted stream from the first bulk methanator and supplying it to the second and/or subsequent bulk methanator where it is subjected to further methanation; passing a product stream from the final bulk methanator to a trim methanator train where it is subjected to further methanation; removing a recycle stream downstream of the first, second or subsequent bulk methanator, and, in any order, passing it through a compressor, subjecting it to cooling and then supplying to a trim and/or recycle methanator for further methanation before being recycled to the first and/or second and/or subsequent methanator.

Technological method for producing coal-derived synthetic natural gas

Abstract: The invention relates to a technological method for producing coal-derived synthetic natural gas, and the method relates to the two parts of synthetic natural gas production with coal catalyzed by hydrogenation and catalyst recovery. And the two reaction processes can take place respectively in a hydrogenation reaction unit and a catalyst recovery unit. Alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals or a composite catalyst are employed to produce high quality synthetic natural gas. With the technological method of the invention, coal-derived synthetic natural gas can be obtained flexibly according to different demands. And the technological method has the advantages of easy enlargement, high carbon conversion rate, clean product and the like.

Development of a Hydrogasification Process for Co-Production of Substitute Natural Gas (SNG) and Electric Power from Western Coals

Abstract: This report presents the results of the research and development conducted on an Advanced Hydrogasification Process (AHP) conceived and developed by Arizona Public Service Company (APS) under U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contract: DE-FC26-06NT42759 for Substitute Natural Gas (SNG) production from western coal. A double-wall (i.e., a hydrogasification contained within a pressure shell) down-flow hydrogasification reactor was designed, engineered, constructed, commissioned and operated by APS, Phoenix, AZ. The reactor is ASME-certified under Section VIII with a rating of 1150 pounds per square inch gage (psig) maximum allowable working pressure at 1950 degrees Fahrenheit ({degrees}F). The reaction zone had a 1.75 inch inner diameter and 13 feet length. The initial testing of a sub-bituminous coal demonstrated ~ 50% carbon conversion and ~10% methane yield in the product gas under 1625{degrees}F, 1000 psig pressure, with a 11 seconds (s) residence time, and 0.4 hydrogen-to-coal mass ratio. Liquid by-products mainly contained Benzene, Toluene, Xylene (BTX) and tar. Char collected from the bottom of the reactor had 9000-British thermal units per pound (Btu/lb) heating value. A three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamic model simulation of the hydrodynamics around the reactor head was utilized to design the nozzles for injecting the hydrogen into the gasifier to optimize gas-solid mixing to achieve improved carbon conversion. The report also presents the evaluation of using algae for carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) management and biofuel production. Nannochloropsis, Selenastrum and Scenedesmus were determined to be the best algae strains for the project purpose and were studied in an outdoor system which included a 6-meter (6M) radius cultivator with a total surface area of 113 square meters (m{sup 2}) and a total culture volume between 10,000 to 15,000 liters (L); a CO{sub 2} on-demand feeding system; an on-line data collection system for temperature, pH, Photosynthetically Activate Radiation (PAR) and dissolved oxygen (DO); and a ~2 gallons per minute (gpm) algae culture dewatering system. Among the three algae strains, Scenedesmus showed the most tolerance to temperature and irradiance conditions in Phoenix and the best self-settling characteristics. Experimental findings and operational strategies determined through these tests guided the operation of the algae cultivation system for the scale-up study. Effect of power plant flue gas, especially heavy metals, on algae growth and biomass adsorption were evaluated as well.

Operating Characteristics of 1 $Nm^3/h$ Scale Synthetic Natural Gas(SNG) Synthetic Systems

Abstract: In this work, we proposed the three different reactor systems for evaluating of synthetic natural gas(SNG) processes using the synthesis gas consisting of CO and and reactor systems to be considered are series adiabatic reaction system, series adiabatic reaction system with the recirculation and cooling wall type reaction system. The maximum temperature of the first adiabatic reactor in series adiabatic reaction system raised to 800. From the these results, carbon dioxide in product gas as compared to other systems was increased more than that expected due to water gas shift reaction(WGSR) and the maximum concentration in SNG was 90.1%. In series adiabatic reaction system with the recirculation as a way to decrease the temperature in catalyst bed, the maximum concentration in SNG was 96.3%. In cooling wall type reaction system, the reaction heat is absorbed by boiling water in the shell and the reaction temperature is controlled by controlling the amount of flow rate and pressure of feed water. The maximum concentration in SNG for cooling wall type reaction system was 97.9%. The main advantage of the cooling wall type reaction system over adiabatic systems is that potentially it can be achieve almost complete methanation in one reactor.

Method for coproducing substitute natural gas through coal liquefaction

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coproducing substitute natural gas through coal liquefaction. Synthetic gas obtained by gasifying coal enters a methanation reactor, water generated in the methanation process is separated out of a material flow at the outlet of the methanation reactor through gas-liquid separation, the gas is partially circulated back to the inlet of the methanation reactor to further participate in the reaction, and the uncirculated gas enters a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor. Synthetic oil and gas are obtained through the cooling and the gas-liquid separation of thematerial flow at the outlet of the methanation reactor, the CH4 in the gas is further separated out, and the gas rich in the CH4 is used as the substitute natural gas to be output. The synthetic oil and the substitute natural gas are simultaneously produced by the coal, and thereby the invention not only solves the problem of difficult control for the temperature of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor, but also saves a circulating compressor of a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis device. The product distribution of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is not changed while the substitute natural gas is coproduced, and the high-proportion heavy hydrocarbon can also be obtained through the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

Process for increasing the hydrogen content in a synthesis gas

Abstract: A process for increasing the hydrogen content of a synthesis gas is described comprising the steps of; (i) mixing a raw synthesis gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and steam with a recycle stream containing methanol, and optionally additional steam, to form a gas mixture having a steam : carbon monoxide molar ratio =1.5:1, (ii)feeding the gas mixture to one or more fixed beds of a particulate copper catalyst over which both the water-gas shift reaction and methanol synthesis reaction occur thereby forming a shifted gas mixture containing methanol and an increased hydrogen content, (iii)cooling the shifted gas mixture to form a condensate containing methanol and a dry shifted gas mixture, and (iv)recycling at least a portion of the condensate to step (i). The dry shifted gas mixture may be used to generate power as part of an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle process or alternatively used in Coal-To Liquids (Methanol and FT) or synthetic natural gas processes.

Method for manufacturing synthetic natural gas

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing synthetic natural gas. In the method for manufacturing synthetic natural gas (SNG), a primary methane synthesis reaction process is performed on synthetic gas generated after fuel-gasification and dust-collection processes are performed, and then a water-gas shift reaction process is performed on only a portion of the gas, and the remaining gas is bypassed. Then, the gases are remixed to perform a secondary methane synthesis reaction process, thereby controlling the generation of methane synthesis reaction heat and improving the lifespan of a catalyst.

Process for synthesizing natural gas by performing methanation on coke oven gas

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for synthesizing natural gas by performing methanation on coke oven gas. The process comprises the following steps of: dispersing a fresh methanation catalyst into an inert liquid-phase medium and putting the mixture into a slurry bed methanation reactor for reducing; performing a methanation reaction on the reduced coke oven gas, introducing tail gas into a gas-liquid separator I, discharging a slurry liquid-phase component in the tail gas and the catalyst from the bottom of the gas-liquid separator I and exhausting a gas phase in the tail gas from the top of the gas-liquid separator I; introducing a part of catalyst-containing inert liquid-phase media into a gas-liquid separator II, exhausting a gas phase from the top of the gas-liquid separator II, combining the gas phase with the gas phase exhausted from the top of the gas-liquid separator I, cooling and performing pressure swing adsorption so as to obtain H2 and synthetic natural gas; and discharging a methanation catalyst-containing inert liquid-phase medium from the bottom, combining the methanation catalyst-containing inert liquid-phase medium with the slurry liquid-phase component and the catalyst which are discharged from the bottom of the gas-liquid separator I, filtering a large-particle catalyst of less than 300 meshes out, separating a fine catalyst of more than 300 meshes from the inert liquid-phase medium and discharging, mixing the separated inert liquid-phase medium and the large-particle catalyst, exchanging heat between the mixture and raw material gas, cooling, and introducing the mixture into the slurry bed methanation reactor together with the methanation catalyst which is newly dispersed into the inert liquid-phase medium for the methanation reaction. The process has the advantages that: the process has low energy consumption and small equipment investment, is easy to operate and can replace the catalyst on line.

Development of synthetic technique of substitute natural gas (SNG) from coal

Abstract: According to the comprehensive analysis on synthetic technique of SNG at home and abroad,the process flowsheets and characteristics of these processes are analyzed and compared.Provide some suggestions on development and applications of SNG technologies based on production and consumption features of China's coal.

Process for making synthetic natural gas

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a gasification process and system for making synthetic natural gas using low purity oxygen. A portion of the cleaned syngas is shifted to a H 2 /CO ratio of at least 30/1 before being remixed with the other portion of the syngas to make a syngas stream having a H 2/ CO ratio of 1 or less. The final syngas stream is feed to the methanation unit to produce synthetic natural gas.

A process and a plant for hydrothermal synthetic natural gas (sng) production from waste biomass

Abstract: It is the aim of the present invention to provide a system and a process for hydrothermal SNG production from waste biomass having a design of the product separation that not only considers the grid quality specifications for SNG, but also the recovery of the exergy potential of the crude and the supply of required heat for the plant. Processes and systems for hydrothermal SNG production from carbon- containing substrate are disclosed, comprising in general: a) generating a slurry having a predetermined solids content as calculated in dry mass; b) heating and pressuring the biomass slurry above 200°C and 50 bar; g)gasifying the hydrolysed biomass slurry,from which precipitated solids are optionally separated before and/or after the gasification, c) performing LV separation and gas separation at high pressure to generate a liquid stream and a vapour stream; d)for the liquid stream, liquid expanding with or without power recovery or evaporating and turbine expanding followed by LV separation; and e)valve expanding or reheating and turbine expanding of the vapour stream followed by combustion and expansion in a turbine, and/or electrochemical conversion to heat and/or power of the so-generated SNG gas and/or supply of the so- generated SNG gas to a gas grid.

Optimum Reactor Outlet Temperatures for High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors Integrated with Industrial Processes

Abstract: This report summarizes the results of a temperature sensitivity study conducted to identify the optimum reactor operating temperatures for producing the heat and hydrogen required for industrial processes associated with the proposed new high temperature gas-cooled reactor. This study assumed that primary steam outputs of the reactor were delivered at 17 MPa and 540°C and the helium coolant was delivered at 7 MPa at 625–925°C. The secondary outputs of were electricity and hydrogen. For the power generation analysis, it was assumed that the power cycle efficiency was 66% of the maximum theoretical efficiency of the Carnot thermodynamic cycle. Hydrogen was generated via the hightemperature steam electrolysis or the steam methane reforming process. The study indicates that optimum or a range of reactor outlet temperatures could be identified to further refine the process evaluations that were developed for high temperature gas-cooled reactor-integrated production of synthetic transportation fuels, ammonia, and ammonia derivatives, oil from unconventional sources, and substitute natural gas from coal.

Materials challenges and gasifier choices in IGCC processes for clean and efficient energy conversion

Abstract: In the 1970 and 1980s, gasifiers were envisaged for synthesising substitute natural gas (SNG) as well for IGCC (integrated gasification combined cycle) systems. Component temperatures were above 700°C, but stainless alloys did not have the required corrosion resistance. Experimental alloys developed in the UK were alumina formers, incorporating Ta, W, and Mo as gettering elements for sulphidation resistance. Sulphidation corrosion is solvable, but attack by HCl in gasification environments seems intractable. The supposed materials problems of gasification, plus the complexity of IGCC, have led to them being sidelined for power generation. However, commercial IGCC plants are not dependent on high temperature materials and offer higher efficiency than Rankine cycle steam. Best near term prospects for IGCC are for CO2 capture, but this constrains the type of gasifier. Gasifiers incorporating carbon capture and storage produce hydrogen, or with less capture, SNG. Such systems will supply SNG for space heating...