Gas and electricity production from waste material and biomass via allothermal gasification

The DMT Division Cokemaking and Fuel Technology developed an allothermal gasification process, tested and optimized it thoroughly for coal gasification and modified it for the gasification of waste material and biomass. The allothermal gasification technology takes full account of the reaction behaviour of waste material and biomass and offers major advantages for decentralised use. The pilot plant, which was operated for eight years with 500 kg of coal per hour, is of equivalent size required for decentralised use. The concept engineering of such a gasification plant was performed. In the allothermal process the heat input is achieved by means of an inflowing gas, which consists essentially of steam, carbon dioxide and, where relevant, nitrogen, and is thus also a reaction agent. To generate this gasifying, a portion of the untreated gas - approx. 25% - is burned after dedusting in a combustion chamber located outside the gas generator with air or oxygen. This ensures a gas with medium calorific value with a high proportion of hydrogen which can be used after treatment and processing in engines and turbines, as town gas, as synthesis gas or in form of hydrogen. The next stage planned is a demonstration on a full commercial scale as part of the practical project "Rhon biosphere reserve".