| Reactor: | kiloclave 0.5 liter, 1 liter and 5 liter |
| Material: | stainless steel & Hastelloy® |
| Temperature: | 180 °C to 250 °C |
At the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil the production of coal from biomass has been studying for almost a decade.
The thermochemical process of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is used for this purpose. While the natural coalification of biomass substrates takes thousands to millions of years, using this process it is possible to produce lignite-like products within just a few hours. Moist biomass is converted into coal at elevated temperatures (180 °C to 250 °C) and under autogenous pressure in water within a very short time. The process opens new perspectives in the efficient and environmentally friendly use of resources. These include the production of CO2-neutral coal as an energy source, new approaches for the treatment of problematic biomasses and the prospect of sustainably improving damaged soils with HTC coal.
The work of the Soil Ecology Research Group in the field of HTC focuses on applied research regarding the utilization of moist biomass for sustainable use.
Main areas of research:
"For carbonization, we have chosen the Buchi kiloclave Type 3E with a Cyclone 300 drive as stirrer agitator. The design of the reactor stand allows easy filling and emptying by single person. The individual components can be cleaned easily. Two stainless steel vessels with 0.5 liter and 5 liter are available as reactor vessels. For special reaction experiments in the acidic range by adding organic or mineral acids, a 1 liter reactor made of Hastelloy® is used."
Gabriel Gerner, Research assistant, Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, Wädenswil (November 2020)
Do you have any questions? Would you like to get in touch with us personally? Ask our specialists. We look forward to hearing from you!