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ePaper created 2014-12-22, 09:34:33 | version 1.34.00
PILOT PLANT PRODUCES BIOGASOLINE In the multistage process at KIT’s bioliq plant, synthetic gasoline is made from straw and other biological residues. The synthesis stage has now been successfully implement- ed and fuel has been produced for the very first time. This means the plant is now fully assembled. The last step will be to test the complete process chain and optimise it for large-scale industrial use. The entire bioliq (“biomass to liquid”) process consists of four stages. In the first, dry residual biomass such as straw that accumulates in fields and has a low energy content is converted into a substance similar to crude oil with a high energy density. Flash pyrolysis – the thermal decomposition of organic matter – forms the basis of this process. The crude-oil-like substance can be transported over long dis- tances in a cost-effective manner and centrally processed. In a high-pressure entrained flow gasifier, it is converted into a tar-free syngas at temperatures above 1,200 °C and pressures of up to 80 bar. The syngas consists primarily of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In the subsequent hot gas purification process, impurities such as particulate matter and chlorine and nitrogen compounds are removed. Finally, in the synthesis stage, the purified gas is formed into a customised, high-quality fuel. In terms of its design, the plant has been specially adapted to the properties of the CO2-rich syngas that is produced by biological residues. Using the pilot plant, researchers can test innovations directly on an industrial scale to ensure that findings can be commercialised more quickly. The construction of the pilot plant on KIT’s northern campus was funded by the German federal government, the state of Baden-Württemberg and the European Union. Several industrial partners are involved in the bioliq plant along with numerous institutes and service units at KIT. Further examples from this research field g Using the bioliq pilot plant, KIT researchers have produced their first batch of gasoline from straw and other organic residues. Image: M.Torge/KIT Energy I Earth and Environment I Health I Aeronautics, Space and Transport I Key Technologies I Structure of Matter 17 technologies for centralised and decentralised applications. The strategic research themes in this programme involve scientific issues that require highly complex, long-term investigations utilising the large-scale facilities of the partic- ipating Helmholtz centres. Storage and Cross-Linked Infrastructures The energy transition has made it necessary to develop cost-efficient energy storage systems and infrastructure for energy transmission and distribution. In order to ensure a successful transition to an energy supply based primarily on volatile renewable sources, adequate energy storage solutions need to be established and consequently imple- mented in an optimised energy system. Research in this programme is aiming to achieve prompt applications, eco-friendly production, high efficiency and reliable sys- tems integration. Future Information Technology Information and communication technology is becoming