Implementing of a Usable Tool for Selecting Operations to Upgrade Biogas to Biomethane

Abstract

In Spain, biomethane and biogas are still starting to be considered as an alternative to natural gas. A good way of promoting these renewable energies is supporting small and cheap treatment plants near to the place where the biogas is produced and where the biomethane can be used on site, fostering the circular economy. An easily usable simulation tool for selecting the best sequence of unit operations for treating biogas (based on adsorption, absorption, and membranes) has been designed. Pollutants modelled are CO2, CH4, NH3, SH2, CO2, O2, N2, H2O and siloxanes. This tool was used as first step to design a flexible and portable prototype for treating small flows of biogas as those produced in livestock which has been later built and is on operation.