Case Study:

Olive Waste to Electrical Energy

Project Location:

Rossano, Italy

Photograph of Jobsite Construction
19 April, 2001

Summary Description

Gasification of 4.5 US Tons per Hour of Olive Waste with Electrical Power Generation, via Internal Combustion Engines, of over 4.0 Megawatts

Process Description

Primenergy designs and manufactures a biomass gasification system.  The gasification of biomass produces a hot (over 1,000º F) synthesis gas that contains combustible gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and others.   However, in addition to this calorific content, the evolved gases contain ash and tar contaminants.  Until recently, these contaminants presented a seemingly unsolvable problem.  When consumed as a fuel in engines or turbines, their presence damages and debilitates internal moving surfaces of the engine or turbine.

Primenergy, after considerable expense and several years of research, development, testing and demonstration, invented on a novel, patented synthesis gas cooling and conditioning process.  Initial cooling of the gas is accomplished with an indirect gas cooler.  This is followed by direct contact cooling.  After the synthesis gases are sufficiently cooled, the gases are mechanically cleansed of any residual entrained ash and aerosol tars.  Synthesis gases treated in the patented process are suitable as fuel for internal combustion devices.

Demonstration Testing

At Primenergy’s Tulsa location, there is a full commercial scale demonstration gasifier.  This gasifier has been retro-fitted with the gas cooling and cleansing system.  To demonstrate the proof of concept, olive waste from Italy was imported.  An internal combustion engine was installed and operated under load.

The Rossano Project

For this project, Primenergy provided a Model R-18 gasifier, the synthesis gas cooling and conditioning system, a process control system with man-machine interface and ancillary equipment, pumps, piping, structural steel, motors, motor controls, etc.  The complete scope of supply was manufactured and major equipment was pre-assembled in Tulsa prior to overseas shipment.

The ultimate job site location is near an olive oil manufacturer located on the southern coast of Italy.  Upon arrival in Italy, the gasification and cleaning system will be coupled to multiple turbo-charged engine driven electrical generators.

Primenergy dispatched a field representative to provide technical assistance in the construction and installation of the imported equipment.  Start-up and commissioning of the integrated facility occurred in the spring of 2002.  All of the electrical energy output from the conversion of the olive waste into energy will be sold to the national grid.