Isopartner and paroc deliver insulation ensuring performance

What was the insulation task?

In the rig that Phoenix Bio Power had built and which was planned to be commissioned in May 2022, tests will be carried out on gasification integrated with ultra-wet combustion. Since the syngas produced (synthesis gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide, methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, otherwise produced industrially, especially from coal, which is used as a raw material in the production of synthetic chemicals) contains tar in gaseous form, it was important to maintain a high gas temperature throughout the system to avoid cold parts and condensation of tars which can be very sticky. For this reason, high efficiency insulation was required to handle the temperature difference between the gas stream (400 - 900 ° C) and the ambient air.

In addition to the syngas stream, the process also includes injection of saturated (200–300 ° C) and superheated (500–550 ° C) steam. This steam is produced in a boiler and superheater. Superheaters are used in boilers to increase the temperature of the steam and thereby reduce water droplets in the steam. All pipes are equipped with electric tracers to maintain the medium temperature.

As this is a pilot plant, the insulation had to be as cost-efficient as possible but still meet the highest requirements for personal safety and exterior appearance. That was the reason why an aluminum finish was chosen.

“At Phoenix BioPower, we are developing a groundbreaking technology that is expected to have a major impact on European energy systems and have a globally measurable positive global impact on the climate. Developing this scaled-down experiment requires great attention to scaling effects and temperature control is a very important factor. Therefore, the right insulation was very important for our result ", says Henrik Båge, CEO of Phoenix Biopower.

The project was supported by SiteConcept AB from Norrtälje Sweden, a consulting and manufacturing company of everything in a climate-smart energy sector. SiteConcept AB, as the general supplier of Tenmat's ceramic filters in Scandinavia, delivered the flue gas purification and helped, among other things, to choose the right insulation and with corresponding calculations.

“SiteConcept AB is proud to be involved in Phoenix BioPower´'s innovative and important projects for a sustainable future. As SiteConcept's subcontractor, paroc has contributed an important part to implementing this pilot facility at KTH, Stockholm Sweden, ”says Peter Blomdahl, CEO of SiteConcept AB.

Special challenges

The temperature was of course the biggest challenge and for this reason AES fiber mat (Superwool) was used as the first layer on the pipes. Then insulation with paroc Pro Section 140 and 100 pipe sections and bends. paroc Pro Wired Mat 100 has also been used in the project. Stone wool was chosen because of the high temperatures and durable product properties.

The 3D design of the insulation in combination with the correct estimate of the thickness of the insulation proved to be another challenge but this was handled with the help of paroc Calculus. As SiteConcept's subcontractors, Håkan Glöckner at paroc has been an important and great help with calculations and material selection.

Micael Forslund at Isopartner AB collaborated with Håkan Glöckner at paroc in the project and handled deliveries and logistics. 

Knivsta VVS-Isolering AB was chosen as the insulation contractor. Anders Nyström already knows Peter Blomdahl at SiteConcept and with his broad competence, Knivsta Isolering has isolated other projects for Peter. In addition to the work of assembling the insulation on site, many mattresses were sewn for the project.