Membrane technology by MT-BioMethan demonstrates successful injection into the local natural gas grid

Following the commissioning phase the Zeven II gas upgrading plant using MT-Membrane Technology is now injecting into the local natural gas grid.

MT-BioMethan GmbH has commissioned the first gas upgrading plant using MT-Membrane Technology. This concludes the expansion of the biomethane plant at company headquarters in Zeven, Lower Saxony, Germany, expanding its capacities by a further 250 standard cubic meters per hour. Next to the existing gas upgrading plant which operates with the heat-led amine scrubbing process, the Zeven II project using MT-Membrane Technology is now injecting high-purity biomethane into the natural gas grid of the Zeven municipal utilities at full capacity. “The biomethane’s methane purity of 98 volume percent, as well as all further process parameters were all fully confirmed. This is an excellent result”, MT-BioMethan’s Managing Director Dr. Karsten Wünsche points out.

After concluding the commissioning phase, the gas upgrading plant Zeven II with MT-Membrane Technology is now injecting into the local gas grid
Photo by MT-Biomethan GmbH

The plant uses a three-stage interconnection of innovative gas separation membranes. Within the membranes the carbon dioxide in the raw gas, which does not contribute to the calorific value, is separated from the methane. The Federal German Ministry of Agriculture, via its executing agency, the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (Agency for Renewable Resources), not only supported the construction of the plant, but also sponsors the two-year testing phase during which operational data is recorded.

The initial commissioning was preceded by extensive testing by the Technical Inspection Agency. The rapid start-up processes expected from the plant design and simulation, allowing an exceptionally flexible operation, were able to be demonstrated. A further advantage of the MT-Membrane Technology as opposed to other electricity-driven processes consists of the minimized methane loss (slip) of only 0.5 percent. In addition, the plant is easily expanded when required.

Thanks to the MT typical modular construction, the plants can be almost completely pre-fabricated at company headquarters. This allows for comprehensive quality control of the entire plant ahead of delivery.

As part of the quality assurance framework, planning, construction, installation and commissioning were given comprehensive support by the Deutscher Verband der Gas- und Wasserwirtschaft (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water).

With the inclusion of an electricity-driven upgrading process along the heat-led amine scrubbing, MT-BioMethan is able to provide the ideal technology for a wide range of project and market requirements. This now makes highly efficient and profitable solutions available, particularly for the numerous requests from the French and British markets.

for further information visit www.mt-biomethan.com

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