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Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) located in regions far from a high-pressure grid can produce renewable biomethane, which can partially substitute the natural gas locally consumed. However, the economic viability of implementing biomethane plants in WWTP has to be guaranteed. This paper uses the discount cash flow method to analyze the economic viability of producing biomethane in a WWTP located in Évora (Portugal). The results show that, under the current conditions, it is unprofitable to produce biomethane in this WWTP. Since selling the CO2 separated from biogas may result in an additional income, this option was also considered. In this case, a price of 46 EUR/t CO2 has to be paid to make the project viable. Finally, the impact of potential government incentives in the form of feed-in premia was investigated. Without selling CO2, the project would only be profitable for feed-in premia above 55.5 EUR/MWh. If all the CO2 produced was sold at 30 EUR/t CO2, a premium price of 20 EUR/MWh would make the project profitable. This study shows that the economic attractiveness of producing biomethane in small WWTP is only secured through sufficient financial incentives, which are vital for developing the biomethane market with all its associated advantages.
Francisco Baena-Moreno; Isabel Malico; Isabel Marques. Promoting Sustainability: Wastewater Treatment Plants as a Source of Biomethane in Regions Far from a High-Pressure Grid. A Real Portuguese Case Study. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8933 .
AMA StyleFrancisco Baena-Moreno, Isabel Malico, Isabel Marques. Promoting Sustainability: Wastewater Treatment Plants as a Source of Biomethane in Regions Far from a High-Pressure Grid. A Real Portuguese Case Study. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (16):8933.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco Baena-Moreno; Isabel Malico; Isabel Marques. 2021. "Promoting Sustainability: Wastewater Treatment Plants as a Source of Biomethane in Regions Far from a High-Pressure Grid. A Real Portuguese Case Study." Sustainability 13, no. 16: 8933.
This works aims to provide an understanding on basic chemical kinetics pertaining to three-way catalytic (TWC) converters from an educational perspective, aimed at those novel readers in this field. Rate of reactions and its factors are explained, showcasing that the chosen catalyst is the main factor affecting the overall rate of reaction. Furthermore, this overview revisit insights of the catalytic converter structure and the environmental issues that come along with it. Lastly, the chemical and physical properties of the reactants and products-pollutant and less-toxic gases—are discussed, in order to gather a better understanding of the reactants and products that enters a catalytic converter.
Emmy Kritsanaviparkporn; Francisco Baena-Moreno; T. Reina. Catalytic Converters for Vehicle Exhaust: Fundamental Aspects and Technology Overview for Newcomers to the Field. Chemistry 2021, 3, 630 -646.
AMA StyleEmmy Kritsanaviparkporn, Francisco Baena-Moreno, T. Reina. Catalytic Converters for Vehicle Exhaust: Fundamental Aspects and Technology Overview for Newcomers to the Field. Chemistry. 2021; 3 (2):630-646.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmmy Kritsanaviparkporn; Francisco Baena-Moreno; T. Reina. 2021. "Catalytic Converters for Vehicle Exhaust: Fundamental Aspects and Technology Overview for Newcomers to the Field." Chemistry 3, no. 2: 630-646.
This paper demonstrates the benefits of incorporating CO2 utilisation through methanation in the steel industry. This approach allows to produce synthetic methane, which can be recycled back into the steel manufacturing process as fuel and hence saving the consumption of natural gas. To this end, we propose a combined steel-making and CO2 utilisation prototype whose key units (shaft furnace, reformer and methanation unit) have been modelled in Aspen Plus V8.8. Particularly, the results showed an optimal performance of the shaft furnace at 800°C and 6 bar, as well as 1050°C and atmospheric pressure for the reformer unit. Optimal results for the methanation reactor were observed at 350°C. Under these optimal conditions, 97.8% of the total CO2 emissions could be mitigated from a simplified steel manufacturing scenario and 89.4% of the natural gas used in the process could be saved. A light economic approach is also presented, revealing that the process could be profitable with future technologic developments, natural gas prices and forthcoming increases of CO2 emissions taxes. Indeed, the cash-flow can be profitable (325 k€) under the future costs: methanation operational cost at 0.105 €/Nm3; electrolysis operational cost at 0.04 €kWh, natural gas price at 32 €/MWh; and CO2 penalty at 55€/MWh. Hence this strategy is not only environmentally advantageous but also economically appealing and could represent an interesting route to contribute towards steel-making decarbonisation.
F.M. Baena-Moreno; N. Cid-Castillo; H. Arellano-García; T.R. Reina. Towards emission free steel manufacturing – Exploring the advantages of a CO2 methanation unit to minimize CO2 emissions. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 781, 146776 .
AMA StyleF.M. Baena-Moreno, N. Cid-Castillo, H. Arellano-García, T.R. Reina. Towards emission free steel manufacturing – Exploring the advantages of a CO2 methanation unit to minimize CO2 emissions. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 781 ():146776.
Chicago/Turabian StyleF.M. Baena-Moreno; N. Cid-Castillo; H. Arellano-García; T.R. Reina. 2021. "Towards emission free steel manufacturing – Exploring the advantages of a CO2 methanation unit to minimize CO2 emissions." Science of The Total Environment 781, no. : 146776.
Herein a novel process to synergize biogas upgrading, CO2 utilization and waste recycling is proposed. Our study emerges as a promising strategy within the circular economy. In this work, the technical feasibility of Flue-Gas Desulfurization Gypsum as precipitant for definitely CO2 storage is studied. The precipitation stage is evaluated through two key factors: the quality of the carbonate product and the precipitation efficiency obtained. The physicochemical characterization of the solid carbonate product was analysed by means of Raman, X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The precipitation efficiency is evaluated through the variation of the main precipitation parameters (temperature, molar ratio and time). For this purpose, two groups of experiments were performed. The first group was aimed to model the precipitation system through experiments designed with DesignExpert vs.12 software. The second group of experiments allows to compare our results with pure species as precipitants, as well as to validate the model designed. The physicochemical characterization performed reveals high purity calcite as product. Encouraging precipitation efficiencies were obtained, ranging from 53.09–80.09% (66 % average). Furthermore, the model reveals a high influence of the molar ratio (3–5 times higher impact than other parameters) and low influence of temperature, which evidences the low energy consumption of the proposal. To optimize energy consumption, the model suggests 33 sets of parameters values. Examples of these values are 20 °C, 1.5 mol/mol, and 30 min, which allow to obtain a 72.57 % precipitation efficiency. Overall, this study confirms the technical feasibility of this circular economy approach.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Estelle le Saché; Cameron Alexander Hurd Price; T.R. Reina; Benito Navarrete. From biogas upgrading to CO2 utilization and waste recycling: A novel circular economy approach. Journal of CO2 Utilization 2021, 47, 101496 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Estelle le Saché, Cameron Alexander Hurd Price, T.R. Reina, Benito Navarrete. From biogas upgrading to CO2 utilization and waste recycling: A novel circular economy approach. Journal of CO2 Utilization. 2021; 47 ():101496.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Estelle le Saché; Cameron Alexander Hurd Price; T.R. Reina; Benito Navarrete. 2021. "From biogas upgrading to CO2 utilization and waste recycling: A novel circular economy approach." Journal of CO2 Utilization 47, no. : 101496.
Herein a novel path is analysed for its economic viability to synergize the production of biomethane and dimethyl ether from biogas. We conduct a profitability analysis based on the discounted cash flow method. The results revealed an unprofitable process with high cost/revenues ratios. Profitable scenarios would be reached by setting prohibitive DME prices (1983–5566 €/t) or very high feed-in tariffs subsidies (95.22 €/MWh in the best case scenario). From the cost reduction side, the analysis revealed the need of reducing investment costs. For this purpose, we propose a percentage of investment as incentive scheme. Although the size increase benefits cost/revenues ratio, only the 1000 m3/h biogas plant size will reach profitability if 90% of the investment is subsidized. A sensitivity analysis to check the influence of some important economical parameters is also included. Overall this study evidences the big challenge that our society faces in the way towards a circular economy.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Miriam Gonzalez-Castaño; Harvey Arellano-García; T.R. Reina. Exploring profitability of bioeconomy paths: Dimethyl ether from biogas as case study. Energy 2021, 225, 120230 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Miriam Gonzalez-Castaño, Harvey Arellano-García, T.R. Reina. Exploring profitability of bioeconomy paths: Dimethyl ether from biogas as case study. Energy. 2021; 225 ():120230.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Miriam Gonzalez-Castaño; Harvey Arellano-García; T.R. Reina. 2021. "Exploring profitability of bioeconomy paths: Dimethyl ether from biogas as case study." Energy 225, no. : 120230.
The circular economy is calling for the rapid use of already-developed renewable energies. However, the successful implementation of those new fuels is limited by economic and political issues. For instance, in the Brandenburg region, Germany, biogas production from anaerobic digestion of biomass and wastes is a current alternative. However, the upgrading biogas to biomethane is still challenging and the economic viability is unknown. Therefore, we performed an economic analysis for biogas upgrading to biomethane in the Brandenburg region. Five biogas plant sizes were analyzed by the method of discounted cash flow. This method yields the net present value of the projects, thus revealing the profitability or non-profitability of the plants. Results indicate profitable outputs for medium and large plants, with net present values between 415 and 7009 k€. However, the smallest plants have net present values from -4250 to -3389 k€, thus needing further economic efforts or subsidies to reach profitability. Indeed, biomethane prices should range between 52.1 and 95.6 €/MWh to make these projects profitable. Combinations of 50% of investment subsidized and 11.5 €/MWh feed-in tariffs subsidies could make the projects reach profitability. These findings reveal that political actions such as green policies and subsidies are needed to implement green energy. This case study should serve as a potential tool for policy-makers toward a sustainable bioeconomy.
Judith González-Arias; Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Miriam Gonzalez-Castaño; Harvey Arellano-García; Eric Lichtfouse; Zhien Zhang. Unprofitability of small biogas plants without subsidies in the Brandenburg region. Environmental Chemistry Letters 2021, 19, 1823 -1829.
AMA StyleJudith González-Arias, Francisco M. Baena-Moreno, Miriam Gonzalez-Castaño, Harvey Arellano-García, Eric Lichtfouse, Zhien Zhang. Unprofitability of small biogas plants without subsidies in the Brandenburg region. Environmental Chemistry Letters. 2021; 19 (2):1823-1829.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJudith González-Arias; Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Miriam Gonzalez-Castaño; Harvey Arellano-García; Eric Lichtfouse; Zhien Zhang. 2021. "Unprofitability of small biogas plants without subsidies in the Brandenburg region." Environmental Chemistry Letters 19, no. 2: 1823-1829.
In this work, a comprehensive discussion of forward osmosis membrane technology is presented. Forward osmosis is an interesting and promising system to concentrate multiple kind of solutions in different industrial areas as an alternative solution to classical water evaporation. Therefore, the number of publications and works related to this topic has considerably increased in the last years. Several aspects of forward osmosis have been discussed such as membrane fouling, concentration polarization phenomena, the different available draw solutions and the industrial applications in which forward osmosis has been applied. Cellulose triacetate membranes and thin-film composite membranes are the most employed nowadays. Chemical industry, desalination of drinking water, food industry and pharmaceutical industry are analyzed in deep since these are the most studied areas for forward osmosis application. Herein, the potential of forward osmosis for a sustainable industrial growth is widely proved in every sense.
Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo; Luis F. Vilches-Arenas. Forward Osmosis for Sustainable Industrial Growth. Plant-Microbes-Engineered Nano-particles (PM-ENPs) Nexus in Agro-Ecosystems 2020, 1 -12.
AMA StyleMónica Rodríguez-Galán, Francisco M. Baena-Moreno, Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo, Luis F. Vilches-Arenas. Forward Osmosis for Sustainable Industrial Growth. Plant-Microbes-Engineered Nano-particles (PM-ENPs) Nexus in Agro-Ecosystems. 2020; ():1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMónica Rodríguez-Galán; Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo; Luis F. Vilches-Arenas. 2020. "Forward Osmosis for Sustainable Industrial Growth." Plant-Microbes-Engineered Nano-particles (PM-ENPs) Nexus in Agro-Ecosystems , no. : 1-12.
Herein, a novel method for energy recovery from molten synthetic slags is analyzed. In this work, the potential energy that could be recovered from the production of synthetic slag is estimated by means of an integrated experimental–theoretical study. The energy to be recovered comes from the cooling–solidification stage of the synthetic slag manufacturing. Traditionally, the solidification stage has been carried out through quick cooling with water, which does not allow the energy recovery. In this paper, a novel cooling method based on metal spheres is presented, which allows the energy recovery from the molten slags. Two points present novelty in this work: (1) the method for measuring the metal spheres temperature (2) and the estimation of the energy that could be recovered from these systems in slag manufacturing. The results forecasted that the temperature achieved by the metal spheres was in the range of 295–410 °C in the center and 302–482 °C on the surface. Furthermore, we estimated that 325–550 kJ/kg of molten material could be recovered, of which 15% of the energy consumption is in the synthetic slag manufacturing process. Overall, the results obtained confirmed the potential of our proposal for energy recovery from the cooling–solidification stage of synthetic slag manufacturing.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Benito Navarrete; Luis F. Vilches. Novel Study for Energy Recovery from the Cooling–Solidification Stage of Synthetic Slag Manufacturing: Estimation of the Potential Energy Recovery. Processes 2020, 8, 1590 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Mónica Rodríguez-Galán, Benito Navarrete, Luis F. Vilches. Novel Study for Energy Recovery from the Cooling–Solidification Stage of Synthetic Slag Manufacturing: Estimation of the Potential Energy Recovery. Processes. 2020; 8 (12):1590.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Benito Navarrete; Luis F. Vilches. 2020. "Novel Study for Energy Recovery from the Cooling–Solidification Stage of Synthetic Slag Manufacturing: Estimation of the Potential Energy Recovery." Processes 8, no. 12: 1590.
Herein we analyse the profitability of a novel regenerative process to synergize biogas upgrading and carbon dioxide utilization. Our proposal is a promising alternative which allows to obtain calcium carbonate as added value product while going beyond traditional biogas upgrading methods with high thermal energy consumption. Recently we have demonstrated the experimental viability of this route. In this work, both the scale-up and the profitability of the process are presented. Furthermore, we analyse three representative scenarios to undertake a techno-economic study of the proposed circular economy process. The scale-up results demonstrate the technical viability of our proposal. The precipitation efficiency and the product quality are still remarkable with the increase of the reactor size. The techno-economic analysis reveals that the implementation of this circular economy strategy is unprofitable without subsidies. Nonetheless, the results are somehow encouraging as the subsides needed to reach profitability are lower than in other biogas upgrading and carbon dioxide utilization proposals. Indeed, for the best-case scenario, a feed-in tariff incentive of 4.3 €/MWh makes the approach profitable. A sensitivity study through tornado analysis is also presented, revealing the importance of reducing bipolar membrane electrodialysis energy consumption. Overall our study envisages the big challenge that the EU faces during the forthcoming years. The evolution towards bio-based and circular economies requires the availability of economic resources and progress on engineering technologies.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; T.R. Reina; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Benito Navarrete; Luis F. Vilches. Synergizing carbon capture and utilization in a biogas upgrading plant based on calcium chloride: Scaling-up and profitability analysis. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 758, 143645 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, T.R. Reina, Mónica Rodríguez-Galán, Benito Navarrete, Luis F. Vilches. Synergizing carbon capture and utilization in a biogas upgrading plant based on calcium chloride: Scaling-up and profitability analysis. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 758 ():143645.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; T.R. Reina; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Benito Navarrete; Luis F. Vilches. 2020. "Synergizing carbon capture and utilization in a biogas upgrading plant based on calcium chloride: Scaling-up and profitability analysis." Science of The Total Environment 758, no. : 143645.
This work presents a profitability analysis of a novel route to produce biomethane and synthetic natural gas through Power-to-Gas technology. Differently to traditional Power-to-Gas processes, the process configuration herein proposed allows to produce biomethane even if a source of hydrogen is not available. The novelties of this work are both the new process configuration and the comparison among results for several plant sizes (100, 250, 500, and 1000 m3/h) under two representative EU scenarios (Spain and Germany). The main finding of this work is that no profitable results can be obtained at the present natural gas prices, evidencing the need of incentives. Largest plant could reach profitability under reasonable subsidies (12–15 €/MWh). The forecasted cost reduction for H2 production and CO2 methanation are also analysed. The results show that subsidies are needed even in the most optimistic scenario. A corollary of this study is the current technological great challenge to develop low carbon routes which push forward the transition towards sustainable societies.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Zhien Zhang; X.P. Zhang; T.R. Reina. Profitability analysis of a novel configuration to synergize biogas upgrading and Power-to-Gas. Energy Conversion and Management 2020, 224, 113369 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Zhien Zhang, X.P. Zhang, T.R. Reina. Profitability analysis of a novel configuration to synergize biogas upgrading and Power-to-Gas. Energy Conversion and Management. 2020; 224 ():113369.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Zhien Zhang; X.P. Zhang; T.R. Reina. 2020. "Profitability analysis of a novel configuration to synergize biogas upgrading and Power-to-Gas." Energy Conversion and Management 224, no. : 113369.
In this work a novel study for acid mine drainage remediation and reutilization by means of forward osmosis technology is addressed. The proposed process is a potential alternative path, which allows to recover high quality water and to concentrate metals for its possible reutilization as synthetic minerals. This novel process will help to mining industry evolving toward more sustainable processes and favors circular economy policies. Four inorganic salts (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2) were evaluated as draw solutions from 1 to 5M concentrations, in terms of water flux, water recovery and metal rejection, using a thin-film composite membrane. Water flux obtained were in the range of 14-53 L/m2h. The highest water flux was found for MgCl2 whereas the lowest correspond to KCl. The metal rejection obtained was greater than 99%. After discussion and comparison of the results, MgCl2 was chosen for evaluating long-term assays performance. Scanning electron microscope images of the thin-film composite membrane after long-term assays were taken. Tendency to Mg-Ca and Al-Fe fouling were observed over the membrane surface. The energy consumption was estimated from 4.84-22.3 kWhe/m3, assuming that osmotically assisted reverse osmosis is used to regenerate the draw solution.
Francisco Manuel Baena-Moreno; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo; Luis F. Vilches. Low-Energy Method for Water-Mineral Recovery from Acid Mine Drainage Based on Membrane Technology: Evaluation of Inorganic Salts as Draw Solutions. Environmental Science & Technology 2020, 54, 10936 -10943.
AMA StyleFrancisco Manuel Baena-Moreno, Mónica Rodríguez-Galán, Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo, Luis F. Vilches. Low-Energy Method for Water-Mineral Recovery from Acid Mine Drainage Based on Membrane Technology: Evaluation of Inorganic Salts as Draw Solutions. Environmental Science & Technology. 2020; 54 (17):10936-10943.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco Manuel Baena-Moreno; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo; Luis F. Vilches. 2020. "Low-Energy Method for Water-Mineral Recovery from Acid Mine Drainage Based on Membrane Technology: Evaluation of Inorganic Salts as Draw Solutions." Environmental Science & Technology 54, no. 17: 10936-10943.
A novel analysis addresses the economic viability of biomethane production from small biogas plants in South Spain, as a claim to promote the use of green energy and reduce the consumption of natural gas. To this end, the importance of governmental incentives to reach profitability in biomethane plants is illustrated through a case study. To date, no study addressing this problem specifically for South Spain can be found. The study considers the whole process from biogas production to biomethane feeding into the grid, for three different biomethane capacities (50, 100 and 150 m3/h) and includes an exhaustive sensitivity analysis. For the three cases, implementing a biomethane plant is not viable and, therefore, not attractive for investors. Results considering biomethane governmental incentives as feed-in premia show significant improvements on the profitability of the largest plants. For example, supporting 150 m3/h biomethane production capacity plants with a premium price of only 6 €/MWh (6.6 cents/m3) results in 270 k€ NPV. Nevertheless, the smallest biomethane plants are hardly feasible. Concerning governmental support through investment subsidies, 150 m3/h plants are profitable if 10% of the investment is subsidized, whereas the smallest plants do not reach profitability even if 50% of the investment is subsidized.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Isabel Malico; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Antonio Serrano; Fernando G. Fermoso; Benito Navarrete. The importance of governmental incentives for small biomethane plants in South Spain. Energy 2020, 206, 118158 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Isabel Malico, Mónica Rodríguez-Galán, Antonio Serrano, Fernando G. Fermoso, Benito Navarrete. The importance of governmental incentives for small biomethane plants in South Spain. Energy. 2020; 206 ():118158.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Isabel Malico; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Antonio Serrano; Fernando G. Fermoso; Benito Navarrete. 2020. "The importance of governmental incentives for small biomethane plants in South Spain." Energy 206, no. : 118158.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Estelle Le Saché; Laura Pastor-Pérez; Tomas Ramirez Reina. Membrane-based technologies for biogas upgrading: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters 2020, 18, 1649 -1658.
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Estelle Le Saché, Laura Pastor-Pérez, Tomas Ramirez Reina. Membrane-based technologies for biogas upgrading: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters. 2020; 18 (5):1649-1658.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Estelle Le Saché; Laura Pastor-Pérez; Tomas Ramirez Reina. 2020. "Membrane-based technologies for biogas upgrading: a review." Environmental Chemistry Letters 18, no. 5: 1649-1658.
In this paper we present a techno-economic analysis of a novel route for biomethane – urea co-production from biogas. The idea emerges as an alternative path for improving the profitability of biogas upgrading plants. The profitability of four different biogas plant sizes (100, 250, 500, and 1000 m3/h) in four European countries (Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany) is studied under the current policy schemes for biomethane production of each country. Our study evidences that with the present policy schemes for biomethane production, only medium and large scale plants (500 and 1000 m3/h) in Italy would be profitable. The reason is the current strong support for biomethane production in Italy through feed-in tariffs subsidies. In this sense, we analysed the potential benefits of governmental incentives through bio-methane subsidies (feed-in tariffs and investment percentage). Feed-in tariffs proved to be a worthwhile solution for large plants. Indeed, profitability is reached under subsidies of 30–48 €/MWh. Overall, plants located in southern EU countries are more likely to reach profitability with lower subsidies. The potential of costs reduction (i.e. ammonia price) was also analysed, showing that cutting-down production costs is essential to reduce the amount of subsidies received. In summary, our study shows the challenge that European policies face in the path towards a bio-based economy using biogas upgrading as reference case.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; D. Sebastia-Saez; Qiang Wang; T.R. Reina. Is the production of biofuels and bio-chemicals always profitable? Co-production of biomethane and urea from biogas as case study. Energy Conversion and Management 2020, 220, 113058 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, D. Sebastia-Saez, Qiang Wang, T.R. Reina. Is the production of biofuels and bio-chemicals always profitable? Co-production of biomethane and urea from biogas as case study. Energy Conversion and Management. 2020; 220 ():113058.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; D. Sebastia-Saez; Qiang Wang; T.R. Reina. 2020. "Is the production of biofuels and bio-chemicals always profitable? Co-production of biomethane and urea from biogas as case study." Energy Conversion and Management 220, no. : 113058.
Herein a potential synergy between biogas upgrading and CO2 conversion to bio-methanol is investigated. This novel idea arises as an alternative path to the traditional biogas – to – bio-methane route which involves CO2 separation. In this work a techno-economic analysis of the process was performed to study the profitability for potential investors. A total of 15 scenarios were analysed. Different biogas plant sizes were examined as baseline scenarios: 100, 250, 500, and 1000 m3/h. Furthermore the potential effect of governmental incentives through bio-methane subsidies (feed-in tariffs and investment percentage) was studied. Finally a sensitivity analysis was developed to study the effect of key parameters. The results of the baseline scenarios demonstrated that not profitable results can be obtained without subsidies. Bio-methane subsidies as feed-in tariffs proved to be effective for the 500 and 1000 m3/h plant sizes. For a feed-in tariff subsidy of 40 €/MW, 500 m3/h biogas production plants are remarkably profitable (net present value equal to 3106 k€). Concerning 1000 m3/h biogas production plants, 20 €/MW of subsidies as feed-in tariffs gives similar net present value result. Our results point out that only big biogas production can produce bio-methanol at profitable margins under 90–100% of investment subsidied. The sensitivity analysis showed that electricity, natural gas and bio-methanol price can affect considerably to the overall profitability, converting predicted positive cases in negative scenarios.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Laura Pastor-Pérez; Qiang Wang; T.R. Reina. Bio-methane and bio-methanol co-production from biogas: A profitability analysis to explore new sustainable chemical processes. Journal of Cleaner Production 2020, 265, 121909 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Laura Pastor-Pérez, Qiang Wang, T.R. Reina. Bio-methane and bio-methanol co-production from biogas: A profitability analysis to explore new sustainable chemical processes. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020; 265 ():121909.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Laura Pastor-Pérez; Qiang Wang; T.R. Reina. 2020. "Bio-methane and bio-methanol co-production from biogas: A profitability analysis to explore new sustainable chemical processes." Journal of Cleaner Production 265, no. : 121909.
The European Union has set an ambitious plan for addressing the Global Challanges in the coming years. One of these challenges is the use of biomass and the production of biomass-derived products following the spirit of a circular economy. Biogas obtained from biomass anaerobic digestion could play a pivotal role in this strategy. Herein an innovative strategy for synergizing biogas upgrading to biomethane and formic acid production from CO2 is presented. A profitability analysis of the combined biogas upgrading – CO2 utilization process was conducted to assess the economic viability of this novel approach. The profitability study focuses mainly on net present value and profitability index. Even though the process is environmentally favourable, negative profitability results are obtained. To revert the negative outputs, out of the market formic acid prices (1767–3135 €/t) would be needed to achieve a net present value equal to zero. The alternative of feed-in tariffs biomethane subsidies needs high values (121.1–269.4 €/MW) to reach profitable scenarios. These unsuccessful profitability results are ascribed to high consumables costs, mainly associated with the catalytic conversion of a CO2-rich feedstock. A 80% reduction of catalysts costs can considerably improve net present value up to 50%. This result indicates that further research is needed to find econimocally appealing catalysts to perform this process. The effect of biomethane subsidies as percentage of investment was also considered, evidencing encouraging results for small scale plants.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Laura Pastor-Pérez; Zhien Zhang; Tomas Ramirez Reina. Stepping towards a low-carbon economy. Formic acid from biogas as case of study. Applied Energy 2020, 268, 115033 .
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Laura Pastor-Pérez, Zhien Zhang, Tomas Ramirez Reina. Stepping towards a low-carbon economy. Formic acid from biogas as case of study. Applied Energy. 2020; 268 ():115033.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Laura Pastor-Pérez; Zhien Zhang; Tomas Ramirez Reina. 2020. "Stepping towards a low-carbon economy. Formic acid from biogas as case of study." Applied Energy 268, no. : 115033.
Within the framework of a sustainable economy, industrial effluent management currently faces minimal liquid discharge or zero liquid discharge processes. To reduce energy consumption, forward osmosis has been introduced into zero liquid discharge system. The main disadvantage of forward osmosis is the high-energy consumption of the draw solution regeneration. Herein the regeneration stage is subjected to a techno-economic analysis using a novel membrane technology known as cascading osmotically mediated reverse osmosis. The objective of this work was the techno-economic study of water recovery from real effluents from the metallurgical industry, using a novel combined novel system. The liquid effluents employed in this work were real currents provided by Atlantic Cooper (Huelva, Spain). The experimental results showed that up to 75% of water can be recovered (for 20 L/m2·h at 20% of sodium chloride). The specific energy consumption and economic cost of the novel hybrid process were estimated as 7.4 kWhe/m3 and 6.05 $/m3 of recovered water, respectively. Thus, this novel proposal seems a promising alternative for zero liquid discharge systems in the metallurgical industry.
José Martínez; Elena León; Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo; Luis F. Vilches. Techno-economic analysis of a membrane-hybrid process as a novel low-energy alternative for zero liquid discharge systems. Energy Conversion and Management 2020, 211, 112783 .
AMA StyleJosé Martínez, Elena León, Francisco M. Baena-Moreno, Mónica Rodríguez-Galán, Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo, Luis F. Vilches. Techno-economic analysis of a membrane-hybrid process as a novel low-energy alternative for zero liquid discharge systems. Energy Conversion and Management. 2020; 211 ():112783.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé Martínez; Elena León; Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Mónica Rodríguez-Galán; Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo; Luis F. Vilches. 2020. "Techno-economic analysis of a membrane-hybrid process as a novel low-energy alternative for zero liquid discharge systems." Energy Conversion and Management 211, no. : 112783.
In this work, a comprehensive discussion of biogas upgrading using membrane technologies is presented. Bio-methane obtained from biogas upon carbon dioxide removal is an attractive source of clean energy, and several techniques have been developed for this purpose. These technologies are chemical absorption, water scrubbing, physical absorption, adsorption, cryogenic separation, and membrane separation. Among these techniques, membrane separation outstands due to its promising economic viability. In this work, general characteristics of biogas and its upgrading processes are explained. Then membrane technology for biogas upgrading through gas permeation is analyzed in detail. Gas permeation phenomena, membrane materials, membrane modules, different types of process configuration, and commercial biogas plants based on membrane technologies are deeply investigated. Polymeric membrane materials are under continuous development, and this will facilitate the implementation of membrane-based biogas upgrading processes in many industrial areas. Single-stage configurations are not able to produce both high methane purity and a high recovery percentage. Thus, multistage configurations play an important role in biogas upgrading when membranes are selected to facilitate the CH4/CO2 separation. In this scenario, it is expected that membrane-based biogas upgrading methods will significantly contribute to open new approaches in the urgent matter of sustainable energy technologies.
Francisco M. Baena-Moreno; Estelle Le Saché; Laura Pastor-Pérez; T. R. Reina. Biogas as a Renewable Energy Source: Focusing on Principles and Recent Advances of Membrane-Based Technologies for Biogas Upgrading. Nanosensors for Environment, Food and Agriculture Vol. 1 2020, 95 -120.
AMA StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno, Estelle Le Saché, Laura Pastor-Pérez, T. R. Reina. Biogas as a Renewable Energy Source: Focusing on Principles and Recent Advances of Membrane-Based Technologies for Biogas Upgrading. Nanosensors for Environment, Food and Agriculture Vol. 1. 2020; ():95-120.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco M. Baena-Moreno; Estelle Le Saché; Laura Pastor-Pérez; T. R. Reina. 2020. "Biogas as a Renewable Energy Source: Focusing on Principles and Recent Advances of Membrane-Based Technologies for Biogas Upgrading." Nanosensors for Environment, Food and Agriculture Vol. 1 , no. : 95-120.
Hydrates are mainly stored within sediment pores in nature. Therefore, understanding their formation characteristics within the porous space is essential to the transportation of natural gas based on the hydrate-based technology. In this paper, solutions of sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), and alcohol ethoxylate (AEO) were used with different-sized porous media to investigate the characteristics (gas storage capacity, formation rate, and formation distribution) of the hydrate formation. The experimental results show that the gas storage capacity was higher in the complex system composed of a small-size porous media. The improvement of hydrate formation in the complex system composed of SDS or SDBS solution was more significant than that in the AEO system which could enhance the hydrate formation. In the three complex systems, the surface of alumina particles was positively charged by hydrolysis, which resulted in a double electron layer consisting of the counter ion in the adjacent liquid phase. The anionic active groups ionized by surfactants (i.e., SDS and SDBS) were aggregated to the surface of particles under Coulomb force. This increased the content of the methane molecules by non-polar adsorption and micellar solubilization. Finally, in the complex system of SDS solution and porous media, the capillary force caused by the pores of porous media could enhance the liquid phase migration in the pores which change the distribution of hydrate formation. This work presents useful insights on the hydrate formation characteristics which are beneficial to the rapid formation of hydrate and its industrial application of both storage and transportation of natural gas in complex porous systems.
Zhien Zhang; Zhiming Liu; Zhen Pan; Francisco Manuel Baena Moreno; Mohamad Reza Soltanian. Effect of porous media and its distribution on methane hydrate formation in the presence of surfactant. Applied Energy 2019, 261, 114373 .
AMA StyleZhien Zhang, Zhiming Liu, Zhen Pan, Francisco Manuel Baena Moreno, Mohamad Reza Soltanian. Effect of porous media and its distribution on methane hydrate formation in the presence of surfactant. Applied Energy. 2019; 261 ():114373.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZhien Zhang; Zhiming Liu; Zhen Pan; Francisco Manuel Baena Moreno; Mohamad Reza Soltanian. 2019. "Effect of porous media and its distribution on methane hydrate formation in the presence of surfactant." Applied Energy 261, no. : 114373.
This work provides a wide overview of the state-of-art of the CO2 chemical absorption applied to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. The objective is not only to provide the current status of the technology and the research and development activities carried out towards its deployment in the CCS field, but also to identify the future directions and knowledge gaps. A summary of the conventional solvents used for acid gas removal and novel solvent formulations specifically adapted to new challenges such as fossil-fuels power plants and industrial processes was reported. Novel configurations from the conventional CO2 absorption-desorption layout were summarized and their impact on the operational performance and the reboiler duty was further evaluated. Novel opportunities offered by CO2 concentrated flue gas derived from partial oxy-combustion were further discussed in the final section. A large review of the published data from pilot plants has been done to facilitate the final comparison between the current status of post-combustion and novel partial oxy-combustion configurations. Demonstration plants currently available and the commercial solutions proposed by the most important companies were briefly described. CCS pilot plants via chemical absorption have been executed in last decades reaching several CO2 capture capacities up to 80 t CO2/day. Commercial scale plants have been recently developed, being US and China the countries which lead the investment funds. The most important commercial scale demo plants, namely Boundary Dam and Petra Nova, were also described. Nevertheless, there were still many countries which need to bet for CCS at large scale.
F. Vega; Francisco Manuel Baena Moreno; Luz M. Gallego Fernández; E. Portillo; B. Navarrete; Zhien Zhang. Current status of CO2 chemical absorption research applied to CCS: Towards full deployment at industrial scale. Applied Energy 2019, 260, 114313 .
AMA StyleF. Vega, Francisco Manuel Baena Moreno, Luz M. Gallego Fernández, E. Portillo, B. Navarrete, Zhien Zhang. Current status of CO2 chemical absorption research applied to CCS: Towards full deployment at industrial scale. Applied Energy. 2019; 260 ():114313.
Chicago/Turabian StyleF. Vega; Francisco Manuel Baena Moreno; Luz M. Gallego Fernández; E. Portillo; B. Navarrete; Zhien Zhang. 2019. "Current status of CO2 chemical absorption research applied to CCS: Towards full deployment at industrial scale." Applied Energy 260, no. : 114313.