Page 177 - Advances in bioenergy (2016)

Figure 7.10 Velocys microchannel reactor. (Reprinted with permission from Ref 54. Copyright
2012)

Microchannels are claimed to have a smaller footprint, can be scaled up or down more
flexibly as they can be ‘numbered up’, and have efficiencies superior to those achievable using
conventional process technology. Microchannel reactors therefore have the potential to unlock
the distributed production of fuels and other materials on a small, decentralized scale.

Velocys did already a demonstration program over 4000 h with a 0.3 bbls/day FT
microchannel reactor, using the synthesis gas from the biomass CHP Güssing. 55

Decentral Small Scale Methanation for Production of BioSNG

(Distributed SNG)

A conversion of woody biomass into SNG is a promising alternative to other applications of
synthesis gas. The main advantage of the production of SNG against other technologies like the
conversion of biomass into power or liquid fuels is high energy efficiency in particular in case
that waste heat of the process is used for combined heat and power production—that are
‘polygeneration’ applications. Furthermore, the necessary technologies for the upgrading of the
methanized syngas require the same technologies, which are used for the feeding of biogas into