Biological methanisation in the GICON® trickle bed process – an add-on for sector coupling
A typical application scenario is coupling to a biogas plant. By using biogas with a CO2 concentration of approx. 50 vol-% and adding hydrogen, the methane supply can be almost doubled. Compared to hydrogen, the volume-related energy density is 3.3-4 times higher. After gas drying and compression, no further purification of the methane is required before feeding it into the natural gas grid. The use of methane as a regenerative fuel (CNG/LNG) also offers an advantageous alternative to diesel in the non-electrified sector (heavy goods vehicles, tractors, buses). The energy efficiency is 73 percent. In addition, the heat can be utilised so that the efficiency can be increased.
The GICON® trickle bed process is completely transparent:
| Methane concentration | > 95% CH4 |
| Methane formation rate (when using raw biogas) |
7 Nm³CH4/(m³R·d) |
| Temperature level | 65°C hyperthermophil |
| pH value | 7-8,5 |
| Heat release (reaction and condensation) |
21 kWh/(m³R·d) 3,137 kWh/Nm³CH4,PtX |
| Total internal energy demand | 0,06-0,12 kWhel/Nm³CH4,PtX |
| Efficiency (with own energy requirement) | 73 % |
| Efficiency (with own energy requirement, incl. 50% heat utilisation) |
84 % |
