Converting Waste Agricultural Biomass into a Resource - UNEP

Primenergy R-18 Gasifier producing Energy from Olive Waste
U.S.A., Commercial
Crop
Residue
Process
Equipment
Main Product
By-Product
Olive
Olive Waste
Gasification
Synthesis gas cooling and conditioning system,
control system with man-machine interface and
ancillary equipment, pumps, piping, structural
steel, motors, motor controls.
Electrical Energy
Char
Technical Description of Technology
For this project, Primenergy provided a Model R-18 gasifier, the synthesis gas
cooling and conditioning system, a process control system with man-machine
interface and ancillary equipment, pumps, piping, structural steel, motors,
motor controls, etc. The complete scope of supply was manufactured and
major equipment was pre-assembled in Tulsa prior to overseas shipment.
The ultimate job site location is near an olive oil manufacturer located on the
southern coast of Italy. Upon arrival in Italy, the gasification and cleaning
system will be coupled to multiple turbo-charged engine driven electrical
generators.
Primenergy dispatched a field representative to provide technical assistance
in the construction and installation of the imported equipment. Start-up and
commissioning of the integrated facility occurred in the spring of 2002. All of
the electrical energy output from the conversion of the olive waste into energy
will be sold to the national grid.
Detailed Process Description
Primenergy designs and manufactures a biomass gasification system. The
gasification of biomass produces a hot (over 1,000º F) synthesis gas that
contains combustible gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide
and others. However, in addition to this calorific content, the evolved gases
contain ash and tar contaminants. Until recently, these contaminants
presented a seemingly unsolvable problem. When consumed as a fuel in
engines or turbines, their presence damages and debilitates internal moving
surfaces of the engine or turbine.
Primenergy, after considerable expense and several years of research,
development, testing and demonstration, invented on a novel, patented
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