Room: Poster Area
Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Time: 09:00 - 10:00 CEST
Session code 6BV.2
Biomass conversion into bio-based chemicals and high-value compounds (part 1)
From Waste To Energy: Revalorization of Biomass Waste Through Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization - Gasification System
Short Introductive summary
This work explores integrated pathways to revalorize sewage sludge (SS) and paper mill sludge (PMS) by combining Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC-MW) with fluidized bed gasification, enabling full use of both solid and liquid process fractions. HTC-MW converts high-moisture biomass into hydrochar and organic-rich process water, avoiding energy-intensive drying. The hydrochar serves as a feedstock for hydrogen-oriented gasification, while the process water is evaluated for biomethane production, establishing a dual waste-to-energy route. HTC-MW experiments were conducted at 175–225 °C, 30–90 minutes, and 10–30 wt% solids. The process yielded up to 55% hydrochar at 175 °C and enhanced COD solubilization (3.7–11.2 g COD g?¹ feedstock). Theoretical biomethane potential (BMP) of process water ranged from 6.1 to 29.7 L CH4 L?¹, with maximum values at 225 °C and 30% solids. Gasification of MW-HTC hydrochar produced H2-rich syngas, reaching 37 vol% H2 and 86% cold-gas efficiency under optimal steam-assisted conditions (0.4 kg steam/kg char). A dual-zone gasifier configuration (bed 340–360 °C; freeboard 820 °C) maximized hydrogen yield and minimized nitrogen dilution. Ove
Presenter
Jaime GUERRERO-BELZA
Fundación CIRCE, SPAIN
Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited
Co-authors:
J. Guerrero-Belza, CIRCE Technology Center, Zaragoza, SPAIN
R. Torres-Franco, CIRCE Technology Center, Zaragoza, SPAIN
C. Jarauta-Cordoba, CIRCE Technology Center, Zaragoza, SPAIN
Session reference: 6BV.2.26