Enhanced Carbon-to-X-output Technology - An Advanced Technology Combining Pyrolysis and Gasification of Biogenic Residues for the Production of Hydrogen-rich Syngas

Fraunhofer UMSICHT is investigating and developing an innovative thermochemical conversion technology that enables the conversion of ash-rich biogenic residues into hydrogen-rich syngas through combined pyrolysis and gasification. The multi-stage conversion process is based on a two-stage gasification with subsequent catalytic reforming. The EXO-syngas is suitable for power and heat generation, various chemical synthesis processes, and hydrogen production. This study presents the Enhanced Carbon-To-X-Output (EXO) process through the conversion of sewage sludge into hydrogen-rich syngas. The pilot plant at Fraunhofer UMSICHT achieves a hydrogen content of 39 vol.% in syngas and a cold gas efficiency of 79.3 %, with a hydrogen yield of 35.7 gH2/kgFeed and a syngas yield of 1.00 m3/kgFeed during the gasification of sewage sludge. The EXO process enables efficient conversion of feedstocks with high ash content, surpassing previous gasification pathways, and offers a great potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable energy production and resource utilization.