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Any technology of biomass conversion depends on biomass properties, especially on its moisture content. For materials with relatively low moisture (below 50% of dry matter in biomass) thermo-chemical conversion technologies are implemented, whereas for wet (higher than 50%) bio-chemical conversion technologies are used.
The summary of biomass conversions and basic information about all of them are listed bellow.
Are you interested in details? Are you looking for an energy system for available biomass resource? Do not hesitate to contact us for advisory services.
Thermo-chemical processes
- combustion
- most common way of converting biomass to energy (provides over 90% of the energy generated from biomass)
- zero balance of CO2 production (contrary to fossil fuels)
- produced heat is used directly (heating, drying) or indirectly (transformed into electrical energy)
- gasification
- incomplete combustion of biomass material in a restricted supply of air with production of combustible gases
- benefits of gas combustion: higher efficiency, lower emissions, easy power control
- pyrolysis
- decomposition by high temperature in the absence of oxygen
- liquid fuel (so-called bio-oil) is produced
- benefits of bio-oil: easier to store and transport (comparing to solid or gaseous fuels)
Bio-chemical processes
- anaerobic digestion
- bacterial degradation of organic materials in the absence of oxygen resulting in the production of bio-gas
- produced bio-gas comprises methane (about 55 - 75%)
- used for wet biomass (manure..)
- aerobic digestion
- composting - aerobic conversion of organic materials caused by micro-organisms
- alcoholic fermentation
- conversion of sugars to alcohol (ethanol)
- benefits of ethanol: suitable and ecological fuel for gas engines
- used biomass: sugar-cane, maize
Other processes
- esterification of bio-oils
- residual heat extraction
- composting, anaerobic digestion
- mechanical processes
- production of chips, pellets, briquettes, bales
More information about technologies for the conversion of a wide range of biomass feedstocks into a wide range of useful products can be found on web sites of BTG Biomass Technology Group.
