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BI O MAS S S ER V I CES ECN part of TNO is developing knowledge and technology for efficient and cost-effective thermochemical processing of biomass, biogenic residues and waste into chemicals, materials, biofuels and energy in the framework of a circular bio-based economy. Our work covers the entire process chain, from feedstock to product synthesis.
Click the below links for more information on:
• G asification
• Com bustion
• T orwash
• S eaweed
• Biochar
Biochemicals
Biofuels
Renewable gas
Heat & power
Bioplastics
Transportation (shipping + aviation)
Industry
Housing
INDIRECT GASIF ICATION AS PL ATFORM TECHNOLOGY
GASIFICATION FOR THE BIOECONOMY
Gasi�cation is a process for converting a wide range of organic and carbonaceous materials into a combustible gas, called product gas. This gas basically consists of H2 and CO (syngas) but, depend-ing on the details of the process, may also contain signi�cant amounts of hydrocarbons like methane, ethylene and benzene and additionally tar. Product gas can be used for a variety of products ranging from energy to high-value chemicals. This makes gasi�cation a versatile process that contributes to the production of green energy, green chemicals and biofuels.
MILENA – OLGA TECHNOLOGYTogether with Synova Renewable Technology, ECN.TNO developed a proprietary gasi�cation and gas cleaning technology that is commercially available. It involves a so-called indirect gasi�cation process (MILENA) in which the heat generation and the actual gasi�cation process takes place in separate reactors. By this means, a high conversion ef�ciency is achieved. The OLGA techno-logy effectively removes tar, dust and aerosols without changing the overall gas composition.
In all, the system delivers a product gas that is clean and very low in nitrogen and can directly be applied for the production of power by gas engines or gas turbines. The MILENA-OLGA technology is commercially available at Synova (synovapower.com).
OLGA tar removal plant
MILENA 6MW waste to energy plant
TNO.NL/ECNPARTOFTNO
CONTACTDr. ing. S. (Stephan) JanbroersSenior Business DeveloperBiomass & Energy efficiency
ECN part of TNOWesterduinweg 31755 LE Petten
E [email protected] +31 888 66 26 23M +31 610 95 69 64
INDIRECT GASIF ICATION AS PL ATFORM TECHNOLOGY
GREEN CHEMISTRYThe clean producer gas is not only suitable to generate heat and power but also excellent to perform subsequent chemistries. At ECN.TNO we can convert a variety of biomass all the way to Synthetic Natural Gas, Methanol, DME, Mixed Alcohols or Fischer-Tropsch based biofuels (available end of 2019). In addition, we have other valorization options, for instance to extract BTX or other valuable chemicals directly from the producer gas.
WHAT CAN ECN.TNO DO FOR YOU?– ECN.TNO is your partner for the
development of biofuel pathways based on gasi�cation;
– Collaboratively develop gasi�cation based systems for energy, chemicals and biofuels from a variety of biomass;
– Convert biomass all the way to Synthetic Natural Gas, Methanol, DME, Mixed Alcohols or other biofuels via Fischer-Tropsch and wax upgrading (available end of 2019);
– Enhance valorization options, e.g. by extracting valuable components like BTX;
– Help select and design thermochemical processes to optimize the valorization of biomass streams;
– Performance optimization of existing gasi�cation systems;
– Perform technical due diligence on gasi�cation based technologies.
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RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACIT Y
COMBUSTION TESTING
Biomass combustion is widely recognized as one of the important options to contribute to the necessary CO2 emissions reductions in the EU and World-wide on short term. Both large-scale (co-)�ring of biomass in coal-designed plants, as well as dedicated stand-alone CHP units can deliver the necessary contributions to the reduction targets. This sustainable heat and power is even more important for fully “greening” of biofuels and biomaterials production.
In such processes, utilizing the production residues is paramount to achieving acceptable sustainability levels. Thereby, swift adaptation of the existing designs to accommodate the fast-changing emission regulations and ever-broader portfolio of biomass and waste feedstocks available on the market remains a critical skill.
COMBUSTION INSTALLATIONSECN.TNO owns and operates a variety of combustion test facilities, suitable for the simulation of nearly all state-of-the-art biomass combustion processes. This includes pulverized fuel, �uidized bed as well as grate-�red systems. Together with the advanced portfolio of sampling and analytical facilities, this enables widely-scoped and in-depth analyses of combustion-related problems.
Lab-scale Combustion and gasification Simulator
(LCS) for Pulverised Fuel testing.
CONTACTDr. ing. S. (Stephan) JanbroersSenior Business Developer
Biomass & Energy ef�ciency
ECN part of TNOWesterduinweg 31755 LE Petten
E [email protected] +31 888 66 26 23M +31 610 95 69 64
TNO.NL/ECNPARTOFTNO
RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACIT Y
THERMAL PROCESSES OPTIMIZATIONCLIENT SUPPORTECN.TNO can help optimizing (co-) �ring biomass in thermal processes. We have over 25 years of hands-on experience throughout the biomass-to-energy value chain. Our portfolio ranges from feedstock characterization, through grinding and feeding advisory services, to
Overview of ECN biomass (and coal) conversion services.
Technical bottlenecks in coal/biomass (co-)firing.
complex analyses and simulations of combustion behavior of fuel blends, measurement and removal of regulated emissions from �ue gases, measurement of the biogenic fraction in fuel blends in energy production. Also corrosion, erosion and mechanical stress-related material degradation monitoring and optimization is our strong point.
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coal
SCR
ESP
stack
FGD
BM
gypsum qualityburner stabilityboiler performancenear- burner slagging burnout
milling/pneumatictransport/ explosivity
fouling & corrosioncatalyst deactivation
ESP performance
fly ash quality
NOx emissionsToMe emissions
Feedstock Transport & Storage
ConversionTransmission
& Distribution
Wholesale & Retail
Cleaning & Separation
Conversion & Heat and Steam Generation
Milling, Storage& Conveying
Flue Gas Analysis
Physical analysis
In - Boiler corrosion
Ash formation
Ash analysis
Fouling / corrosion
NOxformation
Chemical analysis
GrindabilityConversion
kinetics
(Near - burner) slagging
Ash NEN - 450 conformity
PM emission characterization
Pneumatic transport
Fuel/ash mineralogy
analysis
In - Boiler deposition
Long - term corrosion
certified measurement of ‘green’ %
of energy production
Dioxin emissions
Explosivity
Moisture exposure
Steam flow metering
(Trace) organics
formation/fate
Ash resistivitycharacterization
Pumpability /dispersion
Dew - point (water/acids)
analyses
TORWASH®UPGRADING OF WET BIOMASS STREAMS
TORWASH®UPGRADING OF WET BIOMASS STREAMS
The aim of TORWASH® is to provide a unique solution to treating otherwise dif�cult, wet biomass streams.
TORWASH® does this by chemically converting low quality biomass feed-stocks, like agro residues or sludge from waste water treatment plants, in order to split them into two streams of usable ‘products’. The �rst product is a solid press cake that contains organic material and has a low salt content with a typical dry matter content of 60-70%. The press cake can be further densi�ed through pelleting into high-quality black pellets that display chemical compositions that comply with the most stringent white wood pellet standards. The second product is a liquid ef�uent that can be digested in a UASB-type digester to form biogas with a high methane content.
TORWASH® technology has the unique ability to unlock biomass feedstocks that are currently incompatible with existing logistics, handling and conversion infrastructures. TORWASH® is particu-
larly suited to upgrade feedstocks with undesirable characteristics, such as: high moisture and ash content, resilient and �brous composition, and low bulk density. TORWASH® typically dissolves more than 98% of the chloride and alkali salts, while the treated biomass can be mechanically dewatered which minimizes the need for thermal drying.
What can ECN.TNO do for you?– Assess biomass streams and provide
dedicated upgrading solutions for production of high-quality bioenergy carriers
– Characterize biomass before and after upgrading
– Jointly develop processes to upgrade biomass streams
– Assess upgraded biomass streams and mitigate risks during logistics, handling and conversion
Giant reed (Arundo Donax) before and after TORWASH®, and after pelleting.
CONTACTIr. L.J. (Levien) de LegéSenior Business DeveloperBiomass & Energy Ef�ciency
ECN part of TNOWesterduinweg 31755 LE Petten E [email protected] +31 888 66 25 39M +31 613 10 28 11
TNO.NL/ECNPARTOFTNO
TORWASH®UPGRADING OF WET BIOMASS STREAMS
TORWASH®TORWASH® is a hydrothermal treatment step which has been developed and patented by ECN.TNO for processing of biomass feedstocks such as agro-resi-dues, residues from food industries, Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW), weeds, invasive water plants, sludges and animal manure. TORWASH® testing facilities at ECN.TNO are available at bench-scale ranging up to a few kilograms product per batch. A pilot installation is currently operational at a scale of 50 kg/h.
MINERAL RECOVERYTORWASH® has a degree of �exibility in its operating conditions. Depending on the feedstock it is possible to control the distribution of certain elements between the solid fraction and the liquid ef�uent stream; particularly the fate of phospho-rus can be manipulated. Potassium always dissolves in the liquid, while nitrogen is typically distributed evenly. This effect leads to the possibility to concentrate phosphorous and potassium (and 50% of nitrogen) in the liquid ef�uent.
ECN.TNO: SOLUTION PROVIDERECN.TNO has extensive experience in characterization and assessment of upgraded biomass: torrefaction, TORWASH®, steam explosion, hydrother-mal upgrading, biochar, etc. Our labora-tory infrastructure is tailored to test upgraded biomass under conditions that are relevant for industrial-scale processes. Together with our in-depth knowledge of logistic chains and thermal conversion processes, this approach simultaneously provides solutions and mitigates risks at affordable costs.
ECN.TNO is currently involved in several projects where TORWASH® is the key technology to unlock and upgrade biomass streams with high ash and/or moisture contents. One of the projects involves the upgrading of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) at a palm oil mill in Malaysia, where a pilot plant will be built to produce 1 ton/h black pellets. In The Netherlands we are forming a consortium together with a number of Dutch Water Authorities aiming to build a TORWASH® demonstration plant at a scale of 0.5-2 ton/h for sewage sludge treatment.
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50-kg/h TORWASH® pilot plant
Dewatered cake after TORWASH® TORWASH® pellets from sewage sludge
TNO.NL/ECNPARTOFTNO
ECN PART OF TNO SE AWEED PROCES SING L ABOR ATORY
STIMULATING A BIOBASED ECONOMY BY OPTIMISING THE SEAWEED PROCESSING TRAIN
Seaweed is one of the most promising aquaculture crops of the future. Seaweed components are used in many different industries such as food, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics and fuels. Needing only seawater, nutrients present and CO
2, it is on its way to become a
significant sustainable crop in the transition to a biobased economy. Seaweed contains many valuable components such as proteins, bio stimulants and carbohydrates. These components have an important role as sustainable raw materials in the biobased, circular economy of the future.
Over the past few years research into the use of seaweed has intensified, as well as the demand for specialized research and processing facilities.
OUR SEAWEED SCALE-UP LABORATORYECN part of TNO has upgraded its seaweed processing laboratory from bench to pilot scale to meet this growing demand. The ECN part of TNO laboratory is fully equipped for research and development of seaweed applications. In addition to this, ECN part of TNO brings extensive experience to the table from a decade of experimental seaweed research and participation in (inter)national research projects. Our multidisciplinary team has years of experience in translating customer needs into the design of processes, systems and installations for R&D and beyond.
The Seaweed Processing Laboratory offers:• the entire processing chain for the
conversion of (fresh) seaweed into products such as carbohydrates, platform chemicals, plant stimulants or proteins;
• characterisation and screening of seaweed composition;
• realistic processing conditions for producing samples so users can carry out relevant product tests;
• the flexibility to perform processing steps separately as well as in sequence;
• a unique combination of extensive seaweed refinery experience and lab infrastructure.
We look forward to helping optimize your seaweed biorefinery process!
ECN PART OF TNO SE AWEED PROCES SING L ABOR ATORY
SOLIDS PROCESSING• Wet cutter/wet biomass processor:
designed for size reduction and homogenization of large seaweed leaves and stems before further processing. Suited for fresh and ensiled seaweed.
• Freeze dryer: reduces the moisture content from more than 80% to less than 10% at room temperature or lower, preserving the cellular structure and purity of seaweed.
SEAWEED FRACTIONATION AND CONVERSION: 100L AUTOCLAVE REACTOR• Designed to manage acids and bases,
temperature up to 150°C and pressures up to 3 bar.
• Ideally suited for cold and hot water extraction e.g. for production of mannitol or bio stimulants, acid or enzymatic hydrolysis e.g. for sugar production, sugar fermentation, etc.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE VALUE CHAIN FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
ADVANCED BIOFUELSSeaweeds are a renewable source of carbohydrates that, unlike their terrestrial biomass counterparts, do not compete for arable land with edible crops. Also, they do not contain large fractions of recalcitrant non-sugar components. These features makes seaweed particularly suitable as feedstocks for the biorefining industry in the production of conventional biofuels, such as ethanol and butanol, and advanced fuel boosters, such as furan-based molecules. We have a proven track record in producing sugar rich fractions for further processing towards fuel alcohols and furanics as advanced fuel additives. Together with our partners we will continue the research in order to take these technologies to the next level.
RENEWABLE MATERIALSFine chemicals, synthesised from seaweed, as well as seaweed fibres, derived after extraction of active components, can be used in the production of renewable chemicals including furanics, lactic and succinic acids, that can replace fossil components in plastics and polymer products, for example tableware.
AGRICULTUREIn our lab we develop, test and validate extraction methods for (in)organic bio active seaweed substances. The bio- activity of seaweed can be associated to its content of macro- and micro-nutrients, plant-growth regulators, phytohormones, and saccharides. These improve soil quality, stimulate root and plant growth, and activate defence mechanisms which help to drastically improve plant productivity in the agricultural sector.
FOOD AND FEEDSeaweed’s popularity as an alternative and sustainable source of proteins for both food and feed applications is increasing. We are able to develop tailor made processes for the extraction and purification of protein or carbohydrate extracts for food and feed applications.
EMERGING NON-FOSSIL, NON-ANIMAL ALTERNATIVESThe chelating properties of several seaweed polysaccharides offer non-fossil, non-animal alternatives for the production of stable gels/gelatines e.g. for creams, desserts, plant-based milks, and many other food products. Agar and carrageenan from red seaweeds, and alginates from brown seaweeds are already commercially available and their global markets sum up to over 100,000 tons per year.
REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GASESSeveral studies have shown that the use of seaweed in the diet of ruminant livestock has nutritional benefits and significantly reduces the release of greenhouse gases.
IMPROVING HEALTH AND BEAUTYThe beneficial effects of seaweed substances have been discovered by the beauty- and pharmaceutical industries and are used in various medical applications e.g. in the prevention of diabetes, hyper tension, cardiovascular diseases and mental degenerative disorders as well as in various cosmetic applications like anti-aging.
We provide all the steps needed for the production of food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical components. The implementation of these methods in a lab has to be realised by our clients.
OUR SEAWEED PROCESSING FACILITIES
SOLUTIONS
ECN PART OF TNO SE AWEED PROCES SING L ABOR ATORY
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION• Centrifuge: separates solids and/or
fibers after extraction, as well as carbohydrate fractions.
• Spray dryer: purifies seaweed components e.g. sugars, mannitol, proteins and/or bioactive components.
• Membrane unit: suited for the selective separation of different components e.g. carbo hydrates, minerals; and for the increase of concentration of active components in extracts.
• Rotary evaporator: concentrates active components and platform chemicals e.g. furanics or bio alcohols in solution.
ALL STEPS ARE FULLY SUPPORTED BY OUR CHARACTERIZATION AND SCREENING KNOW-HOW• These include the analysis of CHNS, ash,
moisture, nutrients, biochemical composition, process synthesis and scale-up.
100,000 TONSAgar and carrageenan from red seaweeds and alginates from brown seaweeds are already already commercially available and their global markets sum up to over 100,000 tons per year.
separation of different components e.g. hydrates, minerals; and for the
increase of concentration of active components in extracts.
CONTACTECN part of TNOWesterduinweg 31755 LE Petten
E [email protected] +31 888 66 24 65
TNO.NL/ECNPARTOFTNO
ECN PART OF TNO SE AWEED PROCES SING L ABOR ATORY
MACROFUELS(H2020, Grant No. 654010, 2016–2019)
MacroFuels aims to produce advanced biofuels, including ethanol, butanol, furanics and biogas, from seaweed or macro-algae. MacroFuels will develop technology for the production of fuels which are suitable as liquid fuels or precursor thereof for the heavy transport and aviation sectors. The seaweed lab will be used for producing sugar syrups from seaweed to be converted into biofuels.
MACROCASCADE(BIC JU Grant No. 720755, 2016–2020)
MACRO CASCADE will prove the concept of the cascading marine macroalgal bio-refinery i.e. a production platform that covers the whole technological chain for processing sustainable cultivated macro-algae biomass to highly processed value added products. Algae based products for food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceutical will be tested and documented for their bio-activities and health properties. The lab will be used to provide essential feedback for developing realistic process schemes.
PORT4INNOVATION: MAXIMALISEREN ECONOMISCHE OPBRENGST ZEEWIERThis project brings together the several Dutch institutions and SMEs to develop new and sustainable biorefining concepts for the production of seaweed and high-value seaweed-derived products in the region of North Holland. The lab will be used to produce samples to perform realistic product tests by our collaborators.
PARTNERSWe have strong collaborations with institutes and companies in academic, research and industrial sectors of the Netherlands and Europe, including Stichting Noordzeeboerderij, Wageningen University & Research, Deltares, the Maritime Research Institute of the Netherlands (MARIN), the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), SIOEN Industries, and Avantium.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESSWe dedicate our expertise and experience to the improvement and optimization of our client’s seaweed process development. Please contact us to discuss you scale-up and sample needs.
TAKING SEAWEED APPLICATION TO THE NEXT LEVELResearch lies at the heart of our organization. We dedicate a vast amount of time and resources to extending our knowledge, understanding and development of seaweed applications on an international level. We can collaborate with you in tailor made development arrangements.
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ENERCHAR Co-production of Bio-energy and Biochar
Co-produced Biochar
The will to use as much of our resources in the most efficient way, has led to the development of a low temperature process combining bio-energy and biochar production. A large part of the available biomass residues, which are currently not put to optimum use, would lead to operational problems in conventional installations such as melting problems, fouling and corrosion, mostly due to the presence of alkali salts. One of ECN’s strategic options is to remain under the problematic temperature.
Pyrolysis installation at ECN
Production
The combined Biochar and bio-energy can be produced by pyrolysis and gasification technologies. In general the useful share of energy is higher through gasification and the processes are more easily scaled-up. ECN has facilities to test both Pyrolysis (3kg biomass per hour input) and gasification (3 and 35 kg/h input). The biochar, shown top left, is produced in the low- temperature gasifier pilot configuration “Enerchar” at 35 kg/h biomass input. Roughly 85% of the energy content is used for energy production and 15% results in the biochar product.
Microstructure Biochar
What is Biochar?
Biochar is a “charcoal type of product”, but without tars and with a large internal pore structure. All volatiles are de-gassed and form a burnable gas for energy generation. The carbon skeleton remains as a Biochar product. Because of the high porous nature and tar-free chemistry, the Biochar is a valuable product that can even be used in agriculture (soil improvement, peat replacement, CCUS option).
Pot-trials with biochar in soil
Applications of Biochar
Depending on the quality, temperature treatment and pore size distribution, Biochar can be used for : 1) Soil improvement & peat replacement in potting soil 2) Filter applications (like active carbon) 3) Energy product (low volatile cokes at > 30 MJ/kg) Currently, applications in agriculture are actively being researched. Time to market is estimated to be within 5 years.
