ScottMadden Biomass Gasification +facility For Clean Synthetic Diesel Fuels

Biomass Gasification Facility for Clean
Synthetic Diesel Fuels

Technology and Business Considerations
February 2009
Contact: jjacobi@scottmadden.com
Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.
Contents
Executive Summary
Biomass Gasifiers and Synthetic Fuels Overview
Key Economic Drivers
Biomass Gasification Process and Technology
Appendix
Executive Summary
Synthetic diesel fuel is a syngas liquid made through biomass gasification
A number of materials, including wood, garbage, and food scraps, can be used as biomass feedstock for production
The result is a cleaner, more energy-efficient fuel than current alternatives
Synthetic diesel reduces exhaust emissions, including CO2
Recent events, including increased fuel prices, heightened environmental awareness, and legislation have renewed interest in
synthetic
y
diesel and biomass g
gasification around the world
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for transportation fuel in the United States
The RFS required fuel suppliers to blend renewable fuel into gasoline by 2008
It also mandated the use of advanced biofuels starting in 2009, creating a guaranteed market for the future
The act was expanded by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Currently, forecasted availability of advanced biofuels falls short of legislative requirements in 2022
While market potential appears strong, current development is limited
Gasifier technology has been proven around the world, but commercial, industrial scale biomass gasifiers are still in
the development phase in the US
Due to unproven technology, costs can vary wildly based on plant capacity and feedstock
Conversion costs are the key driver for smaller plants
Biomass feedstock becomes the key operating cost for larger plants
Source: Production of Synthesis Gas by Biomass Gasification, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering,
University of Pittsburgh, November, 2007
Biomass Gasifiers and Synthetic Fuels Overview
Biomass Gasifiers Overview

Increased fuel prices and environmental concern have renewed interest in biomass gasification around the world.
Numerous g
gasifiers are currently
y in operation
p
that exhibit a wide range
g of feed capabilities,
p
,g
gasifier characteristics,, and p
product
gas cleanup systems
Industrial-scale, biomass gasifiers in Europe for power production
Industrial-scale, municipal solid waste (MSW) gasifiers in Japan for waste reduction
Dispersed biomass gasifiers in the United States for agricultural and silvicultural waste wood utilization
Of particular note are novel feed pretreatment techniques, such as torre faction, being developed in Europe to improve
the flow of feed to biomass gasifiers
Though many gasifiers are already in operation, the commercial industrial-scale sector of biomass gasification in the U.S. is
still in the demonstration phase and is focused on marketing and further development, including:
Expanding design and operating parameters (feed systems and gasifier characteristics) to utilize a wider variety of
biomass feeds
Developing and designing gas cleanup systems to remove tars that interfere with combustion turbines, membrane
systems, and catalysts for the production of hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, and other chemicals
In addition, the lead U.S. Department of Energy biomass gasification entity, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL), is working on a thermal platform for biomass conversion which includes:
Developing new gasifiers (e.g., the BCT and Startech systems) for conversion of various waste biomass to clean
synthesis gas
Providing engineering guidance studies of developed gasifiers (e.g., the SilvaGas and GTI systems) for various uses
Source: Production of Synthesis Gas by Biomass Gasification, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering,
University of Pittsburgh, November, 2007
Definitions
Biomass
Biomass, as a renewable energy source, refers to living and recently dead biological material that can be used as fuel or
f industrial
for
i d t i l production.
d ti
IIn thi
this context,
t t bi
biomass refers
f
tto plant
l t matter
tt grown to
t generate
t electricity
l t i it or produce
d
biofuel,
bi f l
and it also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibers, chemicals or heat. Biomass may also include
biodegradable wastes that can be burnt as fuel. It excludes organic material which has been transformed by geological
processes into substances such as coal or petroleum
Biomass Gasification
Biomass gasification is a high-temperature process in the 600 to 1000 degrees Celsius range to decompose the complex
hydrocarbons of biomass into simpler gaseous molecules, primarily hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. In
most cases, some char and tars are also formed, along with methane, water, and other constituents. Hydrogen and
carbon monoxide are the desired product gases, because unlike combustion gases, they can be directly fired into a gas
turbine for power generation or used in chemical synthesis
Torre Faction
Torre faction is a thermo-chemical treatment of biomass in the 200 to 340 degrees Celsius range. In this process the
biomass partly decomposes, giving off various types of volatiles. The remaining torrefied biomass (solid) has
approximately 30% more energy content per unit of mass
Pyrolysis
y y is an advanced form of gasification
g
that chemically
y decomposes
p
organic
g
materials by
y heat in the absence of
Pyrolysis
oxygen. Pyrolysis typically occurs under pressure and at operating temperatures in the 400 to 600 degrees Celsius
range
Biomass Combustion
Biomass combustion is a process which burns biomass for fuel in a special designed boiler, furnace, or wood stove.
Biomass fuels used for combustion typically originate from forest and agricultural residues such as bark, branches,
stra sa
straw,
sawdust,
d st wood
ood chips
chips, or pellets.
pellets The process of combustion
comb stion converts
con erts the biomass fuel
f el into many
man forms of useful
sef l
energy including hot air, hot water, steam, and electricity
Silvicultural Waste Wood

Wood harvested during timber stand improvement and other forest management activities conducted to improve the
health and productivity of the forest
Source: Biomass Gasification Technologies, Inc; http://www.syntheticdiesel.com/, http://www.wisbiorefine.org/proc/biomassgas.pdf
Why Biomass Gasifiers?

Highly
g y Efficient Process
Nearly double existing biopower industry options

Access
A
tto efficiency/economy
ffi i
/
off scale
l via
i cofiring/cofueling
fi i / f li
Low emissions due to turbine/fuel cell requirements

Environmental Benefits
Closed carbon cycle

Increased environmental regulation favors gasification
Decreased COE over todays biopower; potentially competitive with fossil, assuming tax credits
Economic Benefits
Rural economies
Pulping sector an immediate beneficiary due to needed capital replacements
Economic activity (investment of $15 billion resulted from Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act)
Liquid fuels billions invested in syngas to fuels/chemicals

Synergistic with Fossil Fuels
Electricity turbines, fuel cells, combined heat, and power (cofiring with natural gas possible)
Hydrogen production
Potential for CO2 withdrawal via sequestration
q
Versatility
Wide range of feedstocks

Wide range of products
Source: NREL
Fuel Options
Biomass gasification is a prime competitor of natural gas and transportation fuels.
Transportation Fuels
Conventional
Synthetic
Alternative
Gasoline
Gas--to
Gas
to--Liquid
(GTL)
Hydrogen
Diesel
Coal-to
Coalto--Liquid
(CTL)
Natural Gas
Biomass-to
Biomassto--Liquid
(BTL)
Ethanol
1st Generation Fuels
Biodiesel
2nd Generation Fuels
Source: http://velocys-files.gripmanager.com/conferences/18/2007_Military_Fuels_-_Velocys._web.pdf
Key Benefits of 2nd Generation Fuels
Key benefits of 2nd generation fuels include:

High CO2 reduction potential
No conflict with food chain
High land productivity
Source: WTW-Report 2006
The Maturity of Various Biofuels Technologies
Less Maturre
Morre Mature
Fuel
Source
Benefits
Maturity
Grain/Sugar
Ethanol
Corn, sorghum, and

sugarcane
Produces a high-octane fuel for gasoline blends

Made from a widely available renewable resource
Commercially proven fuel

technology
Biodiesel
Vegetable oils, fats, and

greases
Reduces emissions
Increases diesel fuel lubricity
Commercially proven fuel

technology
Green Diesel
Oils and fats, blended with

crude oil
Offers a superior feedstock for refineries

A low sulfur fuel
Commercial trials underway in

Europe
Cellulosic Ethanol
Grasses, wood chips, and

agricultural residues
Produces a high-octane fuel for gasoline blends

The only viable scenario to replace 30% of U.S.
petroleum use
DOE program is focused on a

commercial demonstration byy
2017
Butanol
Corn, sorghum, wheat,

and sugarcane
Offers a low volatility, high energy density, water

tolerant alternate fuel
BP and DuPont in the process of

producing Butanol
Pyrolysis
Any lignocellulosic
biomass
Off refinery feedstocks,

feedstocks fuel oils,
oils and a future source
of aromatics or phenols
Several commercial facilities

produce energy and chemicals
Syngas Liquids
Various biomass as well

as fossil fuel sources
Can integrate biomass sources with fossil fuel sources

Produces high-quality diesel or gasoline
Demonstrated on a large scale

with fossil feedstocks, commercial
biomass projects under
consideration
Diesel/Jet Fuel
From Algae
Microalgae grown in
aquaculture systems
Offers a high yield per acre and an aquaculture

source of biofuels
Could be employed for CO2 capture and reuse
Demonstrated at a pilot plant in

the 1990s
Hydrocarbons
Biomass carbohydrates
Could generate synthetic gasoline, diesel fuel, and

other p
petroleum p
products
Laboratory scale research in

academic laboratories
Synthetic Diesel Fuel Overview

Synthetic diesel fuel is a syngas liquid, and is not the same as biodiesel
To produce synthetic diesel, wood, hemp, straw, corn, garbage, food scraps, and sewage-sludge can be dried and
gasified
ifi d iinto
t synthesized
th i d gas
After purification, the Fischer-Tropsch process is used to produce synthetic diesel
Such processes are often called biomass-to-liquids (BTL)
Synthetic diesel may also be produced out of natural gas in the gas-to-liquid (GTL) process or out of coal in the coalto-liquid
to
liquid (CTL) process
BTL technology is much less mature than gas-to-liquids or coal-to-liquids technologies
The BTL process is expected to become marketable, but it has not yet reached market maturity
At present, no large-scale BTL plant is under operation
Though the process is less mature, BTL provides some key advantages over GTL and CTL
High biomass yield (up to 4,000 liters per hectare)
High potential to reduce CO2 emissions by over 90%
High quality that is not subject to any limitations of use in either todays engine or foreseeable next-generation engines
Due to the high

g fuel q
quality
y and the fact that its p
properties
p
can be optimized
p
systematically
y
y during
g synthesis,
y
, BTL fuel can be
considered one of the few fuel options available for aviation besides fossil kerosene
The economy of BTL fuel production is strongly dependent on production scale, and large facilities are required to benefit from
economies of scale
Source: Biomass to Liquid BTL Implementation Report," Deutsche Energie-Angentur GmbH, December, 2006
10
Why Synthetic Diesel?

Synthetic diesel may play a significant role as renewable fuel in the United States and around the world.
Biomass to liquids (BTL) renewable synthetic diesel combines the properties and emissions benefits of synthetic gas to liquids
(GTL) diesel fuel with the greenhouse gas and reduced fossil fuel dependence benefits of biodiesel:
Premium fuel properties like GTL
Reduced exhaust emissions like GTL (or even lower)
Fit with existing

g infrastructure and engines
g
CO2 savings like ester based biodiesel (or even more)
Renewable/reduces oil dependence
No storage stability problems
Excellent performance in cold climates
Very high cetane number (8499)
Free of aromatics, sulfur, and oxygen
High yield per hectare
High energy density (40 MJ per liter)
In addition to these benefits, BTL synthetic diesel provides consistent quality from diverse feedstock
Waste animal fat
Soy, corn, canola, rapeseed, and other vegetable oils
Cellulosic wastes such as wood chips, etc.
BTL synthetic diesel provides a cleaner, more energy efficient future
Sources: California Energy Commission, Neste Oil Comments concerning scope of State Plan to Increase the
Use of Alternative Transportation Fuels," May, 2006; Choren, July, 2008
11
Synthetic Diesel Properties Overview

Synthetic diesel has the highest blending cetane number and the best cold weather (cloud point) properties of
comparable fuels. Its volumetric energy content (heating value (MJ/l) is similar to that of other alternatives.
Synthetic Diesel
GTL Diesel
Biodiesel
Sulfur-free Diesel
Sulfur(summer)
D
Density
it att +15 C (k
(kg/m^3)
/ ^3)
775 785
785
770 785
770785
~ 885
~ 835
Viscosity at +40C (mm^2/s)
2.93.5
3.24.5
~ 4.5
~ 3.5
Cetane number
~8.499*
~ 7381
~ 51
~ 53**
Cloud point (F)
~ 23-22
~32-13
~ 23
~ 23
Heating value (lower) (MJ/kg)
~ 44
~43
~ 38
~ 43
Heating value (MJ/I)
~ 34
~ 34
~ 34
~ 36
Polyaromatic content (wt-%)
~4
O
Oxygen
content
t t (wt-%)
( t %)
~ 11
Sulfur content (mg/kg)
<10 (<1)
< 10
< 10
< 10
~ 5.6
~ 5.6
Carbon / hydrogen
~6
Source: California Energy Commission, Neste Oil Comments concerning scope of State Plan to Increase the
Use of Alternative Transportation Fuels," May, 2006
12
SWOT Analysis for Biomass

Biomass-to-Liquid
to Liquid (BTL) Fuels
Strengths
Weaknesses
P d
Produced
d ffrom nearly
l allll ttypes off ffeedstock,
d t k including
i l di non-food
f d
crops
Feedstock costs are very low
Inputs of fertilizer and pesticide are not required for feedstock
production
New cultivation techniques, such as mixed cropping,
g benefit
bi di
biodiversity
it
Cultivation of perennial plants prevents soil erosion and is
advantageous to ground water protection
Chemical properties of the hydrocarbons in BTL fuels permit
efficient and complete combustion with low exhaust gas
emission
BTL properties can be influenced by changes in specific
parameters such as pressure, temperature, and catalysts during
synthesis and the subsequent treatment
Engines can use BTL fuel without technical modifications
BTL fuels can only be produced at industrial, large-scale

facilities
Current investment costs for BTL plants and fuel production are
too high to be competitive with other fuels
Opportunities
pp
Threats
Pilot plants for BTL fuel production have already been set up
BTL production is still in the pilot stage
Synthetic fuels can be ideally adapted to current engine

concepts
BTL fuels are not broadly available at the current time
Large-scale production is expected within the next 20 years
Other technologies could be introduced as competitors before

BTL is proven commercially viable
Source: WIP Renewable Energies Biofuel SWOT Analysis (2007)
13
Key Economic Drivers
Predicted Automotive Fuel Demand

Fossil fuels will dominate the market for decades, but biofuels are the only short-term viable alternative.
Source: WEC & Shell
15
Percen
nt of Total Sales
Alternative Light Duty Vehicle Sales
Increasing sales of alternative light duty vehicles will create a growing market for biofuels over the next
few decades
Source: EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2009 Reference Case Presentation, December 17, 2008
16
Renewable Fuel Standard

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) for automotive fuels; the RFS was expanded
by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Based
B
d on th
the potential
t ti l th
thatt renewable
bl ffuels
l offer
ff tto reduce
d
fforeign
i oilil d
dependence
d
and
d greenhouse
h
gas emissions
i i
and provide meaningful economic opportunity across this country, putting America firmly on a path toward greater
energy stability and sustainability
The RFS requires the blending of renewable fuels (including ethanol and biodiesel) in transportation fuel
In 2008, fuel suppliers (refiners, blenders, and importers) must blend 9.0 billion gallons of renewable fuel into
gasoline; this requirement increases annually to 36 billion gallons in 2022
The expanded RFS also specifically mandates the use of advanced biofuels fuels produced from non-corn
feedstocks and with 50% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum fuel starting in 2009
Of the 36 billion gallons required in 2022, at least 21 billion gallons must be advanced biofuel
There are also specific q

quotas
otas for cell
cellulosic
losic biof
biofuels
els and for biomass
biomass-based
based diesel ffuel
el
Compliance is required for any facility generating more than 10,000 gallons or more of renewable fuel per year
The RFS directs EPA to promulgate regulations ensuring that applicable volumes of renewable fuel are sold or introduced
into commerce in the United States annually
According to a January 2008 study, the economic impacts of a 36 billion gallon RFS include:
Adding more than $1.7 trillion to the Gross Domestic Product between 2008 and 2022
Generating an additional $436 billion of household income for all Americans during the same time period
Supporting the creation of as many as 1.1 million new jobs in all sectors of the economy
Generating $209 billion in new federal tax receipts
While this program is not a direct incentive for the construction of biofuels plants, the guaranteed market created
by the renewable fuel standard is expected to stimulate growth of the biofuels industry
Sources: Economic Impact of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, LECG LLC.; www.ethanolrfa.org/resource/standard/;
http://epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/rfsforms.htm; CRS Report for Congress Biofuels Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs (1/30/2008)
17
Projected Availability of Biofuels

Based on current projections, biofuels will fall short of RFS requirements in 2022, creating an opportunity for new
producers. By 2030, production is forecast to exceed the mandate.
Source: EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2009 Reference Case Presentation, December 17, 2008
18
Opportunities for Biomass Gasification in the U.S.A.
Source: Choren
19
Competing Technologies Advantages and Disadvantages

Technology
Advantages
Disadvantages
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Zero emissions
Can reclaim energy when braking
and coasting
More efficient energy transfer: EVs
dontt require intermediate fuel like
don
hydrogen or methanol
Fuel Cells
Energy conversion is twice as

efficient as combustion
y g is
Low emissions when hydrogen
used as a fuel
Extremely expensive to build and to

fuel with hydrogen
No infrastructure yyet in p
place for
refueling
Hydrogen production relies on fossil
fuels
Petroleum Based Fuels

Petroleum-Based
(gasoline, diesel)
Fuel is readily available

Provide high speeds and long
distances
Fast refueling
Produce high levels of CO2 and

other greenhouse-gas and pollutant
emissions
Fossil-fuel reserves are declining
Often need to be imported from
politicallyy unstable regions
g
High cost
Low power
Short driving range before refueling
Long recharging time (up to 8 hours)
Source: Biofuels," Luxresearch
20
Biomass Gasification Process and Technology Overview
Technology
The schematic line-up of an integrated biomass gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (BTL) plant is shown in
the figure below .
22
Gasifier Types
Source: Economy of BTL plants," H. Boerrigter; Energy Research Center of the Netherland
23
Efficient Biomass Gasifiers Exploit the Unique

Characteristics of Biomass
Biomass
o ass Characteristics
C a acte st cs
Implications
p cat o s
Feeding systems:
Particle size limitations,
pressurized operation more
difficult
Fibrous material
High reactivity
High volatiles content
High
Hi h char
h reactivity
i i
Gasifier design
Allows gasification without
pure oxygen
Raw syngas composition

Tars
Sulfur
Alkali, ammonia, others
Gas cleanup
More tar, water soluble
Low sulfur (except BL)
Must be considered
Scale of operation
Limited economies of scale
Source: Thermochemical Technologies for Conversion of Biomass to Fuels and Chemicals," Biorefinery
Analysis and Exploratory Research Group, Rice University
24
Gasifier Types: Advantages and Disadvantages

Gasifier
Updraft
Advantages
Disadvantages
Mature for heat
Feed size limits
Small scale applications
High tar yields
Can handle high moisture
Scale limitations
No carbon in ash
Producer gas
Slagging potential
Downdraft
Small scale applications
Feed size limits
Low particulates
Scale limitations
Low tar
Producer gas
Moisture sensitive
Fluid Bed
Large scale applications
Medium tar yield
Feed characteristics
Higher particle loading
Direct/indirect heating
Can produce syngas
Circulating Fluid Bed
Large scale applications
Medium tar yield
Feed characteristics
Can produce syngas

Entrained Flow
Can be scaled
Large amount of carrier gas
Potential for low tar
Can produce syngas
Potentially high steam to carbon

Particle size limits
Source: Thermochemical Technologies for Conversion of Biomass to Fuels and Chemicals," Biorefinery
Analysis and Exploratory Research Group, Rice University
25
Capital and Operating Costs

Capital and operating costs for biomass gasification vary wildly.
Plant type
MW
Capital cost
Biomass gasification combined cycle

(current)
75
$1,800 - $2,000 per kWe
Biomass gasification combined cycle

(2010 maturity)
75
$1,400 per kWe
Biomass gasification for thermal energy

or cofire
16
$312 per kW thermal
Assuming a base feed cost of $2/Mbtu, the cost of production from gasification has been recently estimated at 6.7/kWh for
electricity for a 75 MW plant. Steam costs were estimated at $6.70 per 1,000 lb steam
Assuming a base feed cost of zero, the cost of production from gasification has been recently estimated at about 5/kWh for
electricity for a 75 MW plant. Steam costs were estimated at $5.00 per 1,000 lb steam
Energy Efficiency
A series of case studies have been performed on the three conversion routes for combined heat and power applications of
biomass - direct combustion, gasification, and cofiring
For a 75 MW electric generating plant without combined heat and power, the study reports:
Direct biomass combustion is 30% efficient
Gasification is 36% efficient.
For a 75 MW electric generating plant with combined heat and power, the study reports:
Direct biomass combustion is 62% efficient
G ifi ti iis 82% efficient

Gasification
ffi i t
Sources: http://www.wisbiorefine.org/proc/biomassgas.pdf; NREL; http://www.gasifiers.org
26
Scale Dependency of Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Fuel

Production Costs
Conversion costs are the dominant cost factor at plant capacities below 2,000 MWth biomass input. The transport,
shipment, and storage costs are only a small cost item, independent of scale and related transport distances.
Results also show that no advantage can be taken from decreasing the plant size
size, as the decrease in transport
costs is completely outweighed by the increasing investment costs.
Source: Economy of BTL Plants," Energy Research Center of the Netherlands, May, 2006
27
Impact of Scale
Conversion costs are a large expense in smaller plants but decrease considerably as plant capacity increases. Once
capacity reaches 1,800 MW, biomass feed becomes the key cost driver.
28
Cost Impact of Overcoming Technical Barriers

Barrier
Priority
Potential Cost Reduction, %
Clean p & Conditioning

Cleanup
High
15 25
1525
Syngas Utilization (Products)
High
1015
Process Integration
Medium
510
Thermal Processing
Medium
510
Feed Processing & Handling
Medium
510
Low
15
Sensors & Controls
Sources: DOE; http://www.egr.msu.edu/bio/srdc/presentations/11_03talks/Thermochem_overview.pdf
29
Commercialization Status
Biomass gasification is an emerging commercial technology
It evolved from intensive R&D in the 1970s and 1980s
Developmental roots in small-scale biomass gasifiers and coal gasification date back to the early 20th century
Biomass gasification systems from small to large are commercially available, but many technology developers are in the
prototype and first commercial demonstration stage
Thirteen biomass gasifiers currently have the potential to be considered seriously by investors for large centralized commercial
projects [>100 feed tons/day (~ 7 MWe)], according to research on biomass gasifiers by University of Pittsburgh
Each of these gasifiers is limited in the feeds it can utilize and the products it can generate
Financial parameters need to be developed for these gasifiers to further assist investors in process selection
A similar analysis
y needs to be p
performed for biomass g
gasifiers that have the p
potential to be considered by
y investors for smaller
distributed commercial projects
Sources: Survey of Commercial Biomass Gasifiers," Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh;
http://www.wisbiorefine.org/proc/biomassgas.pdf
30
Profile of Commercial Biomass Gasifiers

Year
Feed
Ultimate Products
Gasifier
Parameters
Company
Size
Site Location
British Gas Lurgi

Gasifier
840 Tons/Day
(T/D) commercial
plant
Spreetal, Germany
2003
MSW,
coal/biomass
briquettes
Methanol &
electricity
Downward moving
bed, slaging bottom,
steam/oxygenblown, 1450C, 25
bar
Choren Carbo-V
Process Gasifier*
200 T/D beta

plant (U.C.)
Freiberg, Germany
N/A
50% waste wood,

50% clean wood
chips
Syngas converted
to 16.5 M L/Y of
SunFuel via FT
synthesis and
hydrocracking
Sequential (1)
pyrolyzer (horizontal,
stirred bed; 500oC; 4
bar), (2) gasifier of
pyrolysis gas
((1400oC;; 4 bar),
), and
(3) chemical
quencher of
pyrolysis char and
gasified pyrolysis
gas (entrained bed;
900oC; 4 bar; O2blown))
Enerkem
BIOSYN Gasifier
7 MWe
demonstration
plant
Ribesalbas, Spain
2003
MSW, waste
biomass, refuse
derived fuel (RDF)
and plastic
Synthesis gas,
electricity
Bubbling fluid bed;

air- or oxygen-blown;
1832oF; 16 atm
Foster Wheeler
ACFB Gasifier
42 MWe
commercial plant
Lahti, Finland
1998
Biofuels, RDF,
wood waste
Electricity
Circulating fluid bed

(CFB); air-blown;
1000oC; 1 atm
N t E
Note:
Example
l off Basics
B i ffor Choren
Ch
BTL P
Production
d ti F
Facility
ilit are below
b l
Source: Survey of Commercial Biomass Gasifiers," Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh,
November, 2007
31
Profile of Commercial Biomass Gasifiers (Cont

(Contd)
d)
Company
Size
Site Location
Year
Feed
Ultimate Products
Gasifier
Parameters
Foster
Wheeler
PCFB Gasifier
6MWe & 9 MWt

(55 T/D)
demonstration
plant
Vrnamo, Sweden
1999
Wood, RDF and

straw
Electricity
CFB; air-blown;
950oC; 18 bar
Lurgi CFB
Gasifier
29 MWe
commercial plant
Lahden,
Netherlands
2000
Demolition wood,
RDF
Electricity
CFB; air-blown;
900oC; 1 atm
Lurgi Dry Ash

Gasifier
340 T/D
commercial plant
Spreetal, Germany
1964
Plastics, MSW
pellets, tar-sludge
pellets,
contaminated
wood, other wastes
Fuel gas, synthesis

gas
Grate-type fixedbed down-flow dryash reactor;

oxygen/steamblown; 14722372oF; 25 atm
Primenergy
Gasifier
290 T/D CHP (1

MWe) commercial
plant
Little Falls,
Minnesota , USA
2006
Waste wood
Electricity, steam
Updraft gasifier;
air-blown; 1 atm
Repotec
Gasifier
8 MWt
demonstration
plant
Gssing, Austria
2001
Wood chips
2.0 MWe and 4.5

MWt for district
heating
Coupled CFBs
(biomass pyrolyzer,
char combustor);
steam-blown
850oC (pyrolyzer);
air-blown
air
blown
(combustor)
Source: Survey of Commercial Biomass Gasifiers," Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
November, 2007
32
Profile of Commercial Biomass Gasifiers (Cont

(Contd)
d)
Company
Size
Site Location
Year
Feed
Ultimate Products
Gasifier Parameters
SilvaGas
Gasifier
400 T/D T/D

demonstration
plant (U.C.)
Forsythe, Georgia
N/A
Clean Biomass
Synthetic gas
Coupled CFBs
(biomass pyrolyzer,
char combustor);
steam-blown
1500oF (pyrolyzer);
air-blown 1800oF
(combustor); 1 atm
Thermoselect
Gasifier
600 T/D
commercial plant
Kurashiki, Japan
2005
MSW plugs
Synthetic gas
Sequential biomass
pyrolyzer and
oxygen-blown,
entrained
t i d char
h
gasifier; 570oF
(pyrolyzer) and
2,200oF (combustor)
TPS Gasifier
Two 110 ton/hr

units in
d
demonstration
t ti
plant
Grve-in-Chianti,
Italy
1992
RDF pellets
Electricity
CFB; air-blown; 850900oC; 1 atm
Westinghouse
Plasma Gasifier
8 MWe
commercial plant
Utashinai Japan
Utashinai,
2003
MSW ASR
MSW,
Electricity
Downward moving
bed; plasma bottom;
air-blown; 4500oF
(plasma torch) and
2282oF (gas exit); 1
atm
Source: Survey of Commercial Biomass Gasifiers," Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh,
November, 2007
33
Appendix
Technology Tree
Biofuels
Alcohol
Grains &
sugar crops
Ethanol
Dry mill
Wet mill
Butanol
Dry mill
Wet mill
Ethanol
Acid hydrolysis
Enzymatic hydrolysis
Cellulosic (plants and

plant-based waste)
Methanol
y
y
Acid hydrolysis
Enzymatic hydrolysis
Vegetable
oils or animals fats
Transesterification
Biodiesel
Biomass (plants,
plant-based waste,
animal waste)
Pyrolysis and
high-pressure liquefaction
Bio-oil
Source: Biofuels," Luxresearch
35
Biomass Gasification Process

A primary advantage of biomass gasification over biomass combustion is that the power generation efficiency of a
gas turbine combined cycle system can be as much as twice the efficiency of biomass combustion processes,
which uses a steam cycle alone .
Note: F-T = Fischer-Tropsch

DME Di th l Ether
DME=Dimethyl
Eth
Sources: Thermochemical Technologies for Conversion of Biomass to Fuels and Chemicals," Biorefinery
Analysis and Exploratory Research Group, Rice University.
http://www.wisbiorefine.org/proc/biomassgas.pdf
36
Input Parameters for the Economic Assessment of

Production Costs of BTL Diesel Fuel
37
Summary of Federal Incentives Promoting Biofuels
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report for Congress Biofuels Incentives:
A Summary of Federal Programs (1/30/2008)
38
Summary of Federal Incentives Promoting Biofuels

(Cont d)
(Contd)
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report for Congress Biofuels Incentives:
A Summary of Federal Programs (1/30/2008)
39
Updated Renewable Fuels Program Requirements

Biomass-Based
BiomassDiesel
(Biodiesel)
Undifferentiated
Advanced
Biofuels
(Biodiesel)
Total Biodiesel
Potential
(Biodiesel)
0.500
0.100
0.600
0.100
0.650
0.200
0.850
1.350
0.250
0.800
0.300
1.100
13.200
2.000
0.500
1.000
0.500
1.500
16.550
13.800
2.750
1.000
1.000*
0.750
1.750
2014
18.150
14.400
3.750
1.750
1.000*
1.000
2.000
2015
20.500
15.000
5.500
3.000
1.000*
1.500
2.500
2016
22.250
15.000
7.250
4.250
1.000*
2.000
3.000
2017
24.000
15.000
9.000
5.500
1.000*
2.500
3.500
2018
26.000
15.000
11.000
7.000
1.000*
3.000
4.000
2019
28.000
15.000
13.000
8.500
1.000*
3.500
4.500
2020
30.000
15.000
15.000
10.500
1.000*
3.500
4.500
2021
33.000
15.000
18.000
13.500
1.000*
3.500
4.500
2022
36.000
15.000
21.000
16.000
1.000*
4.000
5.000
Year
Volume
in billions
of gallons
Conventional
Biofuels
2006
4.000
4.000
2007
4.700
4.700
2008
9.000
9.000
2009
11.100
10.500
0.600
2010
12.950
12.000
0.950
2011
13.950
12.600
2012
15.200
2013
Advanced
Biofuels
Cellulosic
Biofuels
* Administrator determines minimum use allocation for "biomass-based diesel"

Source: Overview of House (H.R. 6) Renewable Fuels Program as it relates to Biodiesel
Including an overview of the Agri-biodiesel and Biodiesel Tax Credits, December 6, 2007
40
Contact Us
For more information on biomass gasification facility for clean synthetic diesel fuels, please contact us.
Jere Jake Jacobi

Partner and
Sustainability Practice Leader
ScottMadden, Inc.
Ten Piedmont Center
Suite 805
Atlanta,, GA 30305
Phone: 404-814-0020
Mobile: 262-337-1352
jj
jjacobi@scottmadden.com
@
Prepared by : Dina Chanysheva, Michael Anckner, & Jere Jacobi


ScottMadden Biomass Gasification +facility For Clean Synthetic Diesel Fuels

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Biomass Gasification Facility for Clean

Synthetic Diesel Fuels

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

Synthetic diesel fuel is a syngas liquid made through biomass gasification

The result is a cleaner, more energy-efficient fuel than current alternatives

Synthetic diesel reduces exhaust emissions, including CO2

Conversion costs are the key driver for smaller plants

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

Biomass Gasifiers and Synthetic Fuels Overview

Biomass Gasifiers Overview

Industrial-scale, biomass gasifiers in Europe for power production

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

Silvicultural Waste Wood

Source: Biomass Gasification Technologies, Inc; http://www.syntheticdiesel.com/, http://www.wisbiorefine.org/proc/biomassgas.pdf

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

Why Biomass Gasifiers?

Nearly double existing biopower industry options

Low emissions due to turbine/fuel cell requirements

Closed carbon cycle

Liquid fuels billions invested in syngas to fuels/chemicals

Wide range of feedstocks

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

1st Generation Fuels

2nd Generation Fuels

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

Key Benefits of 2nd Generation Fuels

Key benefits of 2nd generation fuels include:

Source: WTW-Report 2006

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

The Maturity of Various Biofuels Technologies

Corn, sorghum, and

Produces a high-octane fuel for gasoline blends

Commercially proven fuel

Vegetable oils, fats, and

Commercially proven fuel

Oils and fats, blended with

Offers a superior feedstock for refineries

Commercial trials underway in

Grasses, wood chips, and

Produces a high-octane fuel for gasoline blends

DOE program is focused on a

Corn, sorghum, wheat,

Offers a low volatility, high energy density, water

BP and DuPont in the process of

Off refinery feedstocks,

Several commercial facilities

Various biomass as well

Can integrate biomass sources with fossil fuel sources

Demonstrated on a large scale

Offers a high yield per acre and an aquaculture

Demonstrated at a pilot plant in

Could generate synthetic gasoline, diesel fuel, and

Laboratory scale research in

Copyright 2009 by ScottMadden. All rights reserved.

Synthetic Diesel Fuel Overview

After purification, the Fischer-Tropsch process is used to produce synthetic diesel

Such processes are often called biomass-to-liquids (BTL)

BTL technology is much less mature than gas-to-liquids or coal-to-liquids technologies

At present, no large-scale BTL plant is under operation

High biomass yield (up to 4,000 liters per hectare)

High potential to reduce CO2 emissions by over 90%

Due to the high