Biological methanation in trickle bed reactors - a critical review

Carolina Feickert Fenske; Dietmar Strübing; Konrad Koch

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129383

Biological methanation in trickle bed reactors - a critical review

Bioresour Technol. 2023 Oct:385:129383. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129383. Epub 2023 Jun 22.

Authors

Carolina Feickert Fenske¹, Dietmar Strübing¹, Konrad Koch²

Affiliations

¹ Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, D-85748 Garching, Germany.
² Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, D-85748 Garching, Germany. Electronic address: k.koch@tum.de.

PMID: 37355141
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129383

Abstract

Biological methanation of H₂ and CO₂ in trickle bed reactors is a promising energy conversion and storage approach that can support the energy transition towards a renewable-based system. Research in trickle bed reactor design and operation has significantly increased in recent years, but most studies were performed at laboratory scale and conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the trickle bed reactor concept and current developments to support the decision-making process for future projects. In particular, the key design and operational parameters, such as trickling or nutrient provision, are presented, introducing the most recent advances. Furthermore, reactor operation, including the inoculation, long-term and dynamic operation, is described. To better assess the reactor upscaling, several parameters that enable reactor comparison are discussed. On the basis of this review, suitable operational strategies and further research needs were identified that will improve the overall trickle bed reactor performance.

Keywords: Biogas upgrading; CO(2) conversion; Energy storage; H(2)/CO(2) methanation; Power-to-Gas.

Publication types

Review