Syngas, or Synthesis Gas, is the name given to the gas produced by gasification and pyrolysis processes. Syngas is produced when a carbon material is broken down by heat (>700 degrees Celsius) with a controlled amount (or absence) of oxygen or steam, without combustion.
Gas engines fuelled by syngas can cogenerate electricity and heat for on-site use via high efficiency Combined Heat and Power (CHP) application.
Benefits of Syngas Utilisation in Gas Engine CHP
Reduced energy costs
Enhanced security of power supply
Generation of renewable power
Conversion of problematic wastes to useful fuels
Economical on-site power production and reduced transmission losses
Reduction in carbon emissions
Syngas Composition
The typical main components of Syngas are hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Other gases are also produced. The composition of Syngas will vary greatly due to the type of process and the raw material. Gasification produces gas only whereas a pyrolysis will produce a liquid fraction as well.
Compound
Formula
%
Carbon Dioxide
CO2
25-35
Carbon Monoxide
CO
35-40
Hydrogen
H2
20-40
Methane
CH4
0-15
Nitrogen
N2
2-5
Gasification is an established process; the manufacture of charcoal is a crude version. Syngas production from the gasification of coal to produce coke was used as “town gas”. Coke oven gas is now used within the steel industry. Gasification of waste material, such as wood or household waste, is undertaken but few plants are successful on a large and environmentally clean scale.
Synthesis Gas Composition Challenges
Syngas can be used directly in gas engines with coke oven gas a good example. However, the variability of the gas and the contaminants, particularly tars, can make it problematic. With waste feedstocks gas clean-up is essential.
Syngas can often have a very low calorific value. This and the hydrogen component of syngas reducing the methane number lead to a de-rate when compared to a natural gas output.
Syngas CHP engines
The MWM range of gas engines are perfectly capable in operating on syngas and our containerised solution is especially tuned for this application.
