Synthesis Gas

Work in phase 1

From 2016 to 2020 in subproject L3 “Gas Purification”, Fraunhofer UMSICHT investigated catalytic and thermal desorption and adsorption processes for gas treatment with synthetic steel mill gases. In addition to the industrial partners’ processes, processes to remove disruptive components such as oxygen were tested. The work took place in close cooperation with the project partners. For instance, the use of non-thermal plasma to remove oxygen was developed together with Ruhr University of Bochum.

The subproject also included developing a process concept for the production of urea. In particular, tests were conducted during process simulation to see to what extent fluctuations in operation are tolerated by the process.

Aims in phase 2

The second phase in L-III “Synthesis Gas” now aims to demonstrate the robustness of the previously developed concepts to purify steel mill gases, to synthesize various chemicals and, in particular, for system integration. Long-term tests are being conducted here, which, among other things, concern fluctuations in the gas composition and quantity. An industrial implementation should be feasible with the completion of the second project term. To this end, the scalability of the process is being investigated. The possibilities of transferring the process to waste gases from other industries are being verified in collaboration with subproject L-I.

The process for producing urea will be further elaborated, experimentally tested, and optimized.