Erosion Testing - Pilot Design Optimisation of a Porous Liquid Biogas Plant

Our project centres on leveraging porous liquids (PL) -- advanced materials exhibiting significant promise in diverse chemical separations. PL formulations consist of a porous solid like zeolites, or MOFs, dispersed within a liquid carrier which is unable to permeate the pore. These materials offer selective adsorption and separation capacities, enabling the isolation of specific components from gas or liquid streams. This results in substantially curtailed energy consumption and heightened environmental sustainability, in comparison to traditional carbon capture methodologies.

Our most advanced project involves the utilisation of PL for biogas upgrading, where it effectively removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from biogas, producing a stream of high-purity biomethane -- a renewable form of natural gas. In progressing this technology, our objective is to construct a portable PL-biogas plant operating at 150 Nm3/h, to showcase operational efficiencies over conventional carbon capture technology. Through simulations, we anticipate achieving remarkable energy savings, projected at approximately 80% when juxtaposed with conventional upgrading technologies. This advancement ensures high separation efficiency, purity, and minimal greenhouse gas emissions.

To attain this goal, an imperative step involves an assessment of the materials utilised in constructing the pilot plant, considering their interaction with our chemistry. Given PL's dispersible nature and the inherent hardness of zeolites, concerns have emerged about long-term potential erosive impacts on metal components. To address this critical aspect, we will establish a collaborative partnership with the National Engineering Laboratory (NEL). This collaboration focuses on studying the erosive influence of our biogas PL on different candidate metals, particularly for plant design. The findings from this study will directly contribute to designing the plant with materials that ensure both optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. The incorporation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling will further ensure the prolonged and efficient operation of the pilot plant.

This research ensures pilot plant designs prioritise affordability and asset integrity while uniting the attractive operational expenses of PL with an economical capital investment. Through our innovative approach, we aim to revolutionise biogas technology, providing a sustainable and efficient path towards a greener future.