Upgrading POME-based Biogas for the Production of Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG) 

 

Biogas produced from the anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent (POME) can be further treated and upgraded into bio-compressed natural gas (Bio-CNG). This is done by enriching methane content of biogas from 55-65% to a minimum of 94% by removing CO2, H2S and other elements using commercial technology such as water or chemical scrubber, pressure swing adsorption or membrane. The Bio-CNG is then compressed prior to be utilized as fuel either for vehicles or industrial purpose.

 

MPOB in collaboration with Felda Palm Industries Sdn. Bhd. (FPISB) and Sime Darby Offshore Engineering Sdn. Bhd. has installed a demonstration cum commercial plant of Bio-CNG using a membrane technology. The plant is located in Felda’s Sg. Tengi Palm Oil Mill in Batang Berjuntai, Selangor with production capacity of 342 m3/hr bio-CNG or 600 m3/hr of raw biogas as a feedstock. The Bio-CNG will be used as a substitute fuel in nearby industry replacing their current use of fuel oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for heat and power.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           Aerial view of Bio-CNG plant in Felda’s Sungai Tengi Palm Oil Mill