Multilayered Sintered Filters as flame arrestors

What is Biomass gasification?

Biomass gasification is a process that converts organic material (biomass) into a combustible gas known as producer gas. This is achieved by partially combusting biomass at high temperatures with a controlled amount of air, steam, or oxygen. Unlike traditional combustion, where the biomass is completely burned, gasification produces syngas, which contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and methane (CH4). This syngas can be used for power generation, fuel production, and in various industrial applications.

Why is Biomass Gasification Important in Today's Energy Landscape?

In today's sustainable green energy landscape, biomass gasification plays a critical role. The biomass gasification process provides a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, as the carbon dioxide (CO2) released during gasification is offset by the CO2 absorbed by the biomass during its growth, making the process nearly carbon neutral. The availability of biomass, including agricultural waste, forestry residues, and organic matter, makes it an important renewable energy source.

Biomass gasification technology supports the production of biofuels, hydrogen, and electricity, contributing to energy diversification and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Hydrogen production by biomass gasification is mainly needed as it offers a cleaner fuel for various industries. The flexibility of the biomass gasifier system to handle different feedstocks, along with its potential for biomass gasification hydrogen production, makes it an eco-friendly solution with lower emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds compared to coal.

Many biomass gasification companies are using biomass gasification systems, integrating it with carbon capture technologies to meet long-term climate goals. As concerns about climate change grow and fossil fuel costs rise, gasification of biomass plays an important role towards a sustainable energy future.

Usage of Hot Gas Filtration in Biomass Gasification

Hot gas filtration is a critical technology in biomass gasification, enabling the removal of particulate matter (PM) and other impurities from producer gas. These contaminants can severely impact the efficiency and longevity of downstream applications such as power generation, chemical synthesis, or fuel production. Using hot gas filtration helps ensure clean producer gas for these applications. Ceramic filter candles, in particular, have proven highly effective for hot gas filtration due to their ability to withstand high temperatures, maintain structural integrity, and filter out fine particles. The filtration process removes impurities before they condense, protecting equipment and ensuring the smooth functioning of biomass gasification systems​.


Challenges in Hot Gas Filtration

  1. One of the main issues is the formation of tar, which can condense and form sticky layers on the filter surfaces, leading to increased pressure drops and filter clogging.
  2. Another challenge is the accumulation of fine particulates, which can create filter cakes, further increasing resistance and affecting filtration efficiency.
  3. The high temperatures can damage the filter parts, especially metal filters, which can rust and break down over time.

To overcome these issues to improve filter materials and regeneration techniques, such as back-pulsing, to enhance filter long life and performance.

Metallic Hot Gas Filters for Biomass Gasification

Metallic hot gas filters, made from sintered metal powders or woven metallic mesh, are specifically designed to operate under high temperatures, often up to 600°C. They offer excellent thermal and mechanical stability, ensuring they can withstand the demanding conditions in biomass gasifiers.

Metallic filters which are made from Hastelloy® (Registered trademark of Haynes International, Inc.) or stainless steel, are non-combustible and resistant to smoldering particles. This ensures a safer, more robust filtration process during biomass gasification.

Our range of products for hot gas filtration also includes filters made from Fe3Al, an Iron-Aluminum alloy which develops a ceramic coating on exposure to hot gas, thus giving it a high resistance to corrosion, while maintaining the ductility of a metallic material, enabling easier installation and reducing breakage as compared to ceramic filter elements.

Overall, metallic hot gas filters provide a reliable, long-lasting solution for biomass gasification, enhancing process efficiency while reducing maintenance costs​.

FAQs

What is hot gas filtration?

Hot gas filtration is a process that removes particulate matter, tars, and impurities from hot gas produced during biomass gasification, ensuring clean gas for downstream applications.

What is biomass gasification?

Biomass gasification is a process that converts organic material (biomass) into syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane, through partial combustion at high temperatures.

What is the purpose of a hot gas filter in biomass gasification?

The purpose of a hot gas filter in biomass gasification is to remove contaminants like particulates and tars, protecting equipment and ensuring clean producer gas for energy production or industrial use.