Terpene Removal from Biogas
Terpenes are responsible for the distinctive aromas of many plants, such as pine, citrus, and lavender. Terpenes play a role in plant defence, attracting pollinators and deterring herbivores. In industrial processes, they are used in fragrances, essential oils, and even as precursors for biofuels. In biogas, terpenes can cause strong odour issues which need to be controlled and interfere with purification systems, making their removal important for cleaner energy production.
Terpenes are one of the unwanted impurities in the biomethane production process and must be removed prior to injecting into the grid because they create a number of issues, including:
- Corroding gaskets and plastic piping
- Masking the odour component (THT) that is added to the biomethane for leakage detection
Terpenes are normally only targeted when the biogas is used to produce biomethane. When the biogas is used to produce electricity then the terpenes are an energy source.
BIOGAS: ACTIVATED CARBON AND MOBILE FILTERS
ReSorb™ & EcoSorb™
The presence of contaminants such as terpenes and other VOCs not only reduces the quality and usability of the biogas, but they can also cause damage to equipment and lead to downtime, so an additional treatment stage is essential.
Our EcoSorb™ and ReSorb™ products prevent damage to engines, turbines, gaskets or membranes.
| Product Name | Form | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| EcoSorb™ BS | Granular / Pellets | |
| EcoSorb™ GXC | Granular / Pellets | |
| ReSorb™ VT | Granular / Pellets | Reactivated grade |
EcoFlow™ Mobile Filter Range
The terpenes removal filters from the EcoFlow™ mobile filter range are usually installed after the dryers in the biogas purification process.
Jacobi Services has a full range of mobile filters for flow rates between 75 and 4,000 m³/h biogas per filter. Our wide range of rental EcoFlow™ filters are offered via a local Jacobi service centre, avoiding international transport.
BIOGAS: SOLUTIONS
Auxiliary equipment and additional services
In addition to mobile filters and different media, Jacobi Services also offers various items of auxiliary equipment and additional services for hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) removal from biogas, including:
- Selection of the type and number of EcoFlow™ filters. The selection depends on the flowrate and the estimated annual activated carbon consumption.
- A series of removable insulation jackets to prevent condensation of water and to keep the relative humidity within an acceptable range for EcoFlow™ mobile filters.
- The capabilities of the Jacobi France laboratory for externally accredited self-ignition testing of virgin or spent activated carbon.
Recycling and reactivation
Depending on the region and the composition of the spent carbon, different recycling or disposal routes are possible.
Activated carbon
The EcoSorb™ GX-series of activated carbons are advised for terpene removal from biogas. It is not recommended to mix the terpene removal product with a hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) removal product because it is difficult or impossible to establish the volume ratios that are needed.
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