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Biological methanation of CO2 in a novel biofilm plug-flow reactor: A high rate and low parasitic energy process

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  • Savvas, Savvas
  • Donnelly, Joanne
  • Patterson, Tim
  • Chong, Zyh S.
  • Esteves, Sandra R.

Abstract

The performance of a novel biofilm plug flow reactor containing a mixed anaerobic microbial culture was investigated for the conversion of CO2/H2 to CH4. Unlike conventional gas-liquid contactors that depend on agitation, gas diffusion was decoupled from power consumption for mixing by increasing the gas phase inside the reaction space whilst increasing the gas residence time. The mixed mesophilic culture exhibited good biofilm formation and metabolic activity. Within 82days of operation, 99% and 90% CH4 conversion efficiencies were achieved at total gas throughputs of 100 and 150v/v/d, respectively. At a gas input rate of 230v/v/d, methane evolution rates reached 40v/v/d, which are the highest to date achieved by fixed film biomethanation systems. Significant gas transfer related parasitic energy savings can be achieved when using the novel plug flow design as compared to a CSTR. The results and modelling parameters of the study can aid the development of high rate, low parasitic energy biological methanation technologies for biogas upgrading and renewable power conversion and storage systems. The study has also established a reactor system which has the potential of accelerating biotechnology developments and deployment of other novel C1 gas routes to low carbon products.

Suggested Citation

  • Savvas, Savvas & Donnelly, Joanne & Patterson, Tim & Chong, Zyh S. & Esteves, Sandra R., 2017. "Biological methanation of CO2 in a novel biofilm plug-flow reactor: A high rate and low parasitic energy process," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 238-247.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:202:y:2017:i:c:p:238-247
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.134
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    6. Inkeri, Eero & Tynjälä, Tero & Laari, Arto & Hyppänen, Timo, 2018. "Dynamic one-dimensional model for biological methanation in a stirred tank reactor," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 95-107.
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    10. Fagbohungbe, Michael O. & Komolafe, Abiodun O. & Okere, Uchechukwu V., 2019. "Renewable hydrogen anaerobic fermentation technology: Problems and potentials," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 1-1.
    11. Sposób, Michał, 2024. "Optimization of ex-situ biomethanation process in trickle bed reactor: The impact of slight H2/CO2 ratio adjustments and different packing materials," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).
    12. Susanne Theuerl & Christiane Herrmann & Monika Heiermann & Philipp Grundmann & Niels Landwehr & Ulrich Kreidenweis & Annette Prochnow, 2019. "The Future Agricultural Biogas Plant in Germany: A Vision," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-32, January.
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    14. Raquel Iglesias & Raúl Muñoz & María Polanco & Israel Díaz & Ana Susmozas & Antonio D. Moreno & María Guirado & Nely Carreras & Mercedes Ballesteros, 2021. "Biogas from Anaerobic Digestion as an Energy Vector: Current Upgrading Development," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-30, May.
    15. Díaz, Israel & Fdz-Polanco, Fernando & Mutsvene, Boldwin & Fdz-Polanco, María, 2020. "Effect of operating pressure on direct biomethane production from carbon dioxide and exogenous hydrogen in the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).

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