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Gas Solutions
MWM produces gas engines and power generators (gensets) for various gas types. These gases are used in various applications, such as combined energy generation.
The gas types can be divided into three categories:
Natural Gas and Similar Gases
Today, natural gas is one of the most important sources of energy. The demand is on the rise, and fossil resources are becoming increasingly valuable. Rising natural gas prices and the need for sustainable conservation of the environment necessitate maximum efficiency in the transformation of energy to power, heat, and cold. Today, highly efficient power production and cogeneration (CHP) plants run on natural gas.
Coal mine gas
Coal mine gas is released from seams of coal during mining activities. We distinguish between four kinds of coal mine gas: Methane exhausted from unexplored coal beds (CBM), methane coming from active undeground mining (CMM), methane exhausted from abandoned mines (AMM) and lean gas. Due to the high methane content of 30 to 95 %, especially CBM, CMM and AMM are suitable for the utilization in gas engines. Only lean gas cannot be used for energy generation, because of the low methane content of 0,2 - 1,5%.
By using coal mine gas with a methane content of up to 20 percent, methane, which is harmful to the environment, can be converted to energy.
The use of coal mine gas in a gas engine has two main advantages: First, methane is converted into CO2 by combustion. CO2 is up to 25 times less harmful to the environment. Second, up to 90 % of the energy bound in methane is converted into power and warmth.
Fig. Exemplary use of coal mine gas
Associated petroleum gas
Associated petroleum gas (APG) is a natural gas that accrues at extraction of petroleum. It is possible to extract up to 800m3 associated petroleum gas out of the coal beds at one ton of petroleum. The knocking resistance, which is crucial for the combustion, varies between a methane number of 25 and 95.
Associated petroleum gas is another gas type that can be used with MWM gensets. This gas is a by-product obtained during the extraction of crude oil. It has a high content of liquid hydrocarbon and is therefore subject to extreme fluctuations in the combustion behavior. MWM offers solutions for the optimum processing and safe use of this gas, which would otherwise be flared unused.
Shale gas is another gas similar to natural gas whose use does not pose any additional challenges.
Biogas
Biogas from Regenerative Raw Material and Biogas Plants
Biogas is the product of the anaerobic fermentation of organic material in a fermenter. This gas has a CH4 methane content of 45-70 percent. During the combustion, the amount of emitted CO2 merely corresponds to the amount that the substrates absorbed during growth. Power from biogas prevents emissions that would otherwise be emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels.
Fig. Typical use of biogas in a combined heat and power plant
MWM offers gensets, complete plants, and containers especially tuned to biogas. These systems achieve maximum efficiency in various output segments. MWM also provides the system components required for gas processing and treatment.
Landfill Gas
Landfill gas, a gas of the anaerobic and stable methane phase, consists of 35-60 percent methane and 20-45 percent carbon dioxide. The gas composition changes over the years (CH4 content drops). MWM processes the gas, removing organosilicon compounds from the gas. By collecting methane (CH4) from landfills, whose escape to the atmosphere would promote the greenhouse effect, MWM contributes to the conservation of the environment. The greenhouse potential of methane is up to 25 times higher than that of carbon dioxide.
Fig. Environmentally friendly use of landfill gas
Sewage Gas
Sewage gas has a heating value of 6 to 6.4 kWh/m³ and a fluctuating methane content due to its organic ingredients. The heat generated during power generation is used as process heat in the sewage plant and thus saves additional energy costs.
Fig. Exemplary use of sewage gas to generate electricity
Gas Containing Hydrogen
Gases containing hydrogen include coking gas, coal mine gas, and gases from the gasification of biomass.
These gases have a fluctuating hydrogen content and a relatively low methane (CH4) content. Depending on the gas composition, different MWM engine configurations are needed to ensure optimum output and efficiency. The hydrogen content involves a high spontaneous ignition potential. Therefore, special security facilities are necessary in order to ensure safe operation.
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