AERODYNE RESEARCH INC — Environmental Protection Agency SBIR Phase I: Problem Statement: In order to obtain energy independence from conventional sources, ther

Description

Problem Statement: In order to obtain energy independence from conventional sources, there is a significant interest in the production of biogas and“green energy” during wastewater treatment. Due to increased emphasis on sustainability and potential for additional revenue streams, utilities are expected to adopt energy production from digester gas in the near future. Although biogas from treatment plants provides a good source of energy,the cost and efficiency of the energy production is limited by various impurities. Among the key impurities in the digester gas are siloxanes. Nearly 10% of siloxanes entering the treatment plant ends up in the sludge (and hence, potentially into the anaerobic digesters). In the digester, the siloxane volatilizes and becomes part of the biogas. During the combustion of biogas (for energy production), siloxanes become abrasive microcrystalline silica particles and cause severe damage to gas engines, heat exchangers, catalytic and exhaust gas treatment sys tems. The damaged caused results in high cost and regular maintenance or repair/replacement of equipment. Hence, it is essential that a pre-treatment technology be developed that can remove siloxanes efficiently and economically for biogas green energy production from wastewater treatment facilities and landfills.