Generation of biofuels such as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are becoming more common as we look to reduce our climate impact. Thin film technologies are a perfect fit in these processes to reduce moisture content, concentrate solutions, and recover valuable solvents.
Thin film dryers are used to efficiently reduce the moisture content of digested biomass residuals with an output which can exceed 90% solids. This improves energy density and combustion properties for thermal processes such as gasification, combustion, and pyrolysis and creates a marketable product for use as a fertilizer.
Additionally, thin film dryers are more energy efficient than other technologies, often requiring less than 1150 BTU per pound of water evaporated, with other dryers often requiring more than 1300 BTU per pound of water evaporated. Additionally, hot water can be recovered from the drying process at up to 180°F and used to heat the digester, allowing the same energy to both heat the digester and dry the residuals.
Finally, thin film dryers discharge a small amount of vapor allowing for smaller emissions control requirements reducing both the capital and operating cost of the dryer system.
Thin film technologies can operate under vacuum and utilize short residence time, allowing processing of biomass materials at lower temperatures with limited heat history, eliminating the risk of thermal degradation of heat sensitive biomass allowing for further downstream processing. Various agitator designs, enable accommodation of different biomass feedstocks, such as those including various particle sizes, high viscosity slurries and solutions, and dilute solutions
Additionally, valuable solvents used to dissolve or modify components of the biomass (such as lignin, cellulose, or certain sugars) are efficiently recovered at high rates. This reduces waste and lowers the cost associated with solvent replacement in processes like extraction or chemical pre-treatment in applications such as the manufacture of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Thin film technologies have lower maintenance requirements and reduced downtime compared to other technologies. Their simple design, consisting of one rotating part the rotor, is designed for long life though simple refurbishment or rebuild with support from our knowledgeable US based service staff.
Additionally, the equipment is designed to remain in place during maintenance, including limited disconnection of interconnections and no drainage of the heating medium. This allows for significant savings in the time and cost associated with maintenance allowing for more uptime in the manufacturing process.
Biofuel production is becoming more common to help reduce our carbon footprint. Thin film technologies can be used to efficiently generate sustainable residual products and in the production of biofuels allowing these processes to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
