Pilot Process

Scaling-up the integrated syngas fermentation pilot process

One of the main objectives in BioSFerA is the scale-up activity of the syngas fermentation process, resulting in a final pilot plant at TRL5: the syngas produced via gasification is integrated with the fermentation unit for the acetate production. The whole pilot scale plant is the result of in-depth analyses and interdisciplinary research, whereby the involvement of the whole Consortium with risk assessment and HAZOP (Hazard and operability study) analysis, as well regulation evaluation and lab-scale analysis for the treatment parameter’s optimisation.
Cost-benefits and sustainability analysis will be also performed to provide a final cost-effective technology for the biofuels production, as designed by the BioSFerA’s model.

How the pilot process is designed?

VTT and BBEPP are directly involved with the operational parameter’s optimisation and design of the gasification and the mobile fermentation units respectively. The overall integration activity will take place at the VTT Bioruukki site, where the syngas process is located. Complementing this, the TAG extraction and purification will be led separately at BBEPP premises, but always considering large scale conditions.

Gasification unit

Mainly composed by a dual fluidized bed gasifier, hot-gas filter and reformer unit. Ultra-cleaning units are added in the pilot scale process to better control the impurities concentrations and minimize operational risks.

Fermentation unit

First type of mobile pilot: a fermentation unit designed and built with 3 fermenter vessels up to 150 litres, 2 industrial gas feeds, a built-in H2 generator and gas recycling system.

Pilot scale process progress

  • October 2021

    1

    Kick-off meeting

    Kick-off meeting and first planning between the partners VTT and BBEPP, involved in WP4 – Pilot scale process validation of the integrated syngas fermentation process.

  • March 2022

    2

    BBEPP visits VTT in Bioruukki

    Meeting at VTT Bioruukki to visit the syngas unit and implement the action plan for the pilot scale-up activity.

  • October 2022

    3

    VTT visits BBEPP in Gent

    Meeting at BBEPP Gent to finalize the action plan, conclude the operational parameters optimisation, identify the next main steps for the construction, and start the shipping of the unit’s materials to the VTT’s site in Finland.

  • March 2023

    4

    Start the pilot integration

    The pilot integration starts in the Bioruukki site: from March 2023 until the end of the project. The pilot scale process will be tested and implemented until its complete finalization early 2024.

  • March 2024

    5

    PILOT SCALE PROCESS COMPLETED

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Project coordinator
Konstantinos Atsonios – atsonios@certh.gr

Centre for Research & Technology Hellas / Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute (CERTH/CPERI)

52, Egialias str. GR-15125 Marousi, Athens, Greece

 

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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 884208.
This document reflects only the author’s view and CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

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