TITLE	Development of CH4 Separation System from Biogas by "Membrane/Absorption Hybrid Method" (Joint Program to Promote Technological Development with the Private Sectors)
AUTHOR	RITE-HOKUTO LABORATORY in TAIYO NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION
SOURCE
ABSTRACT	The aim of this research is to promote the use of biogas (methane 60vol% and carbon dioxide 40vol%). If the use of biogas increases, that of fossil fuel can be decreased. Our development goal is not only "methane concentration of 98vol% or more and methane collection rate of 98% or more" but also to achieve a inexpensive separation cost. To achieve the development goal, we use the "Membrane/Absorption Hybrid Method". We want to put this technology to practical use early. In the use of the "Membrane/Absorption Hybrid Method" to separate biogas, we are the first in the world. The development period is　two years　from　fiscal year 2006　to　fiscal year　2007. In fiscal year 2006, we gathered basic data and improved data for the scale-up by the table scale test. And, we designed and produced a substantiation unit (biogas processing quantity=10Nm3/h) by using these data. Moreover, we produced an evaluation equipment in a laboratory to evaluate the substantiation unit. In the table scale test, we evaluated the EJECTOR's performance in absorbing to miniaturize the substantiation unit. As a result, we confirmed that the EJECTOR is an effective technology to miniaturize the absorption part of the substantiation unit, and this method was reflected to the design of the substantiation unit. In the design and the production of the substantiation unit, based　on the result of the table scale test that had been executed so far, we executed "Selection of the equipment, parts, and the membrane modules" and "Design of the absorption part, the absorption liquid regeneｒａtion part, and the control system". And also,ｗe produced the membrane modules with a high regeneration ability　of　absorption　liquid, and installed them in the substantiation unit. We carried the substantiation unit into the laboratory and completed its installation, and the substantiation unit was tested through a basic operation（equipment capacity, regulating system, operation pressure, and operation temperature）and was proved that it was produced to the specification. We also provided the substantiation unit with a gas supply equipment in the laboratory to evaluate ability in separating biogas by using mock gas. In fiscal year 2007, we will evaluate the performance of the substantiation unit, improve technical problems, optimize the operating condition and controlling methods by using mock gas. Afterwards, the substantiation unit will be tested on the biogas generation site.