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Siloxane removal from landfill and digester gas - a technology overview
1Aachener Verfahrenstechnik, Chemical Process Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. marc.ajhar@avt.rwth-aachen.de
Bioresource Technology
|January 12, 2010
Summary
Volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS) in biogas can be removed using adsorption, absorption, or deep chilling. Emerging technologies like membranes and catalysts show promise for future biogas purification, offering advanced siloxane removal solutions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Biogas Technology
Background:
- Silicon dioxide formation in gas engines using landfill and sewage gas has been a known issue for over two decades.
- Volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS) are a primary cause of silicon dioxide deposition in gas engines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing and emerging technologies for volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS) removal from biogas.
- To provide an overview of the principles behind commercial siloxane removal systems.
- To summarize scientific advancements in VMS removal over the past ten years.
Main Methods:
- Review of commercially available siloxane removal technologies (adsorption, absorption, deep chilling).
- Analysis of emerging VMS removal concepts (biotrickling filters, catalysts, membranes, sludge stripping, peroxidation, filtration).
- Synthesis of scientific literature on biogas purification and siloxane removal.
Main Results:
- Three technologies (adsorption, absorption, deep chilling) are currently commercially available for VMS removal.
- Newer concepts, including biotrickling filters, catalysts, and membranes, have not yet reached commercialization for biogas purification.
- Specific methods like sludge stripping and peroxidation are noted for sewage gas treatment.
Conclusions:
- Adsorption, absorption, and deep chilling are the established methods for VMS removal from biogas.
- Emerging technologies offer potential for more efficient and diverse siloxane removal in the future.
- Continued research is crucial for the development and commercialization of novel VMS removal techniques.
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