Biogas Plant Desulfurization | Kompogas® SLO LLC

By UGN-Umwelttechnik GmbH

To optimize the processes at the new anaerobic digestion plant, a desulfurization system was installed at the same time.

The plant treats 250 cfm (425 Nm³/h) of biogas with a hydrogen sulfide content of 400–600 ppm.

The aim was to completely remove hydrogen sulfide from the biogas to prevent corrosion damage to downstream plant components such as the gas engine (CHP). To achieve this, the ScavengeAir™ system was used in combination with the innovative filter material UgnCleanPellets®.

UgnCleanPellets® are an environmentally friendly adsorbent for biogas systems.

The pellets, produced from iron oxides and harmless compounds, remove H2S using hybrid biological-chemical reactions. At the heart of the plant is a reactor (Ø 2 m, height 3.3 m, usable volume 5 m³) filled with UgnCleanPellets®. Depending on the volume flow and hydrogen sulfide load, a single loading lasts approximately six months. The result is an annual requirement of approximately 5–10 m³ or 2,5–5 tons of material.

When compared to activated carbon, pellets have a significantly smaller carbon footprint with annual CO₂ savings of approximately 34 to 68 tons.

This becomes even more substantial when you consider the increased loading capacity of the pellets, which is 10–20% higher than that of activated carbon, depending on the application.

How the System Works

The biogas flows through the UgnCleanPellets®, where the hydrogen sulfide is chemically nd biologically converted into elemental sulfur. As the saturated gas cools, the liquids condense and lower the humidity. This reduces the energy requirement for gas drying by 40–60%.

The system features piping, air metering for oxygen control, condensate discharge, and fresh water wetting. The PE100 plastic reactor and control system are fully automated and integrated into the central biogas plant controls.

Partnership Between GGS and UGN

UGN-Umwelttechnik GmbH is a German manufacturer of exhaust air purification and gas desulfurization systems, and developer of UgnCleanPellets® – a cellulose-based filter material for a diverse range of applications.

UGN already distributes its products in several countries and the exclusive sales partner for the North American market is Green Gas Services, LLC, based in Salt Lake City.

Kompogas® SLO parent Kanadevia Inova is a global leader in energy recovery technology and turnkey plants, with 90+ years of experience and over 1,600 projects worldwide, including 450+ Wet AD, 100 Kompogas® Dry AD plants, and 110+ gas upgrading systems.

Want to Learn First Hand?

Green Gas Services, North America’s leading expert in biogas upgrading and treatment solutions, is excited to present a free 2-day Technology & Partnership Launch Event with UGN on November 19-20 in San Luis Obispo.

The UGN team will be on-site to share their technical expertise, field-tested knowledge, and the science behind their proven desulfurization media.

Enjoy a visit to the facility, a short guided tour, and industry networking and an optional operator training session at Kompogas SLO facility. R.S.V.P. to: jsmith@ggsut.com

For more information, read our Efficiency Magazine.