Hydrothermal Processing and Biomass Disintegration at DBFZ (0.02–2 L Scale)
TA05 – KIT-DBFZ-HTP-<2L
Location
Torgauer Straße 116
04347 Leipzig, Germany
Description
DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum in Leipzig, Germany is a federal research institute with a dedicated focus on the energetic and material use of biomass and biogenic residues. This research infrastructure (RI) is offered by the working group Hydrothermal Processes consisting of well-experienced and dedicated scientists and technicians.
This RI includes hydrothermal autoclaves in the range of 0.02–2 L with a wide range of process parameters (T = 120–350 °C, p < 300 bar, t = min to hours, stirred, in-situ sampling and dosing, rapid cooling, with details depending on the respective set-up) to be used for hydrothermal carbonisation, hydrothermal liquefaction, catalytic hydrothermal synthesis, and biomass fractionation. All the set-ups are operated in batch-mode and heated electrically or with thermal oil. A wide range of biomass, biogenic residues, and chemicals can be used within the autoclaves.
Details have to be checked with occupational safety requirements before starting the experiments. Chlorine containing chemicals need to be avoided to prevent corrosion. All autoclaves are made of stainless steel and have seen a wide variety of biomass and biogenic residues.
Accompanying physico-chemical analyses can be conducted at the analytical lab of DBFZ but are not directly offered as part of this RI.
Potential users will benefit from the vast experience of hydrothermal processing at DBFZ. Potential users will be supported in their experimental planning and conducting as well as evaluating the experiments, thoroughly discussing the results. Depending on the scientific progression of potential users, mentoring at certain stages of their scientific career will be included yielding the best and most promising results and getting them published adequately.
Testing Capabilities
The RI is specifically designed for hydrothermal carbonisation, hydrothermal liquefaction, catalytic hydrothermal synthesis, and biomass fractionation. However, the range of process parameters and the robustness of the systems also allows for other types of experiments targeting conversion at high temperature and pressure. Any potential idea will be checked thoroughly with regard to the actual applicability using these systems.
Technical Equipment
0.02-L-bomb-type-autoclaves heated in a sand bath:
- rapid heating, rapid cooling
- fast screening of process parameters in a wide range
- suitable for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) conditions
0.5-L-stirred-tank-autoclaves:
- easy to operate set-ups for reproducible screening of a wide range of process parameters
- suitable for HTL conditions
Hydrothermal multi-batch reactor set-up:
- allows for three autoclaves operated simultaneously (either 3x 1 L or 0.5 L + 1 L + 2 L, autoclaves can also be operated individually)
- in-situ sampling and dosing of liquids
Additional information
Technology Readiness Level: 1-3
Special considerations: Experience in operating high-pressure, high-temperature systems and lab work will be highly appreciated.
Technology clusters: Biofuels, Materials for Energy
Website: http://www.dbfz.de/htp
Availability: All year
Provision of tools to prepare data sets in a FAIR way: Yes
