Technologies we're
engaged in
We are proud to partner with leading innovators to build breakthrough technologies that transform biomass into high value renewable commodities like biochar, black pellets, bio-LNG and Biocarbon. By leveraging advanced processes like pyrolysis, torrefaction, and biomethane liquefaction, we not only address the problems of disposing organic waste but also remove carbon from the atmosphere. Our collaborative efforts focus on optimizing these cutting-edge technologies to create reliable, low-carbon solutions that drive the transition to a more sustainable, circular energy future.
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment. This produces syngas, which can be combusted in a controlled way for renewable energy production, and biochar, a carbon-rich material that can lock carbon away for 100+ years.
The pyrolysis process begins with organic feedstock entering the feeder. This feedstock has been dried to below 20% moisture content. The feedstock enters into the reactor, where it is heated to 600+°C. Feedstock in the chamber is thermally decomposed into syngas and biochar.
The pyrolysis conditions can be altered to change the outputs of the process. This can be used to achieve project specific goals, for example maximum carbon sequestration in the biochar, or maximum syngas yield.
Torrefaction
Torrefaction is a milder form of pyrolysis, thermally degrading biomass in an oxygen-limited inert environment with the sole aim of increasing the energy density of the biomass to produce high quality solid fuels.
The torrefaction process, like pyrolysis, begins with organic feedstock entering the feeder. This feedstock has been dried to below 20% moisture content. The feedstock enters into the reactor, where it is heated within a narrower temperature range of 200–300 ℃.
The output is pelletised to produce black pellets, a, energy-dense solid biofuel with a high calorific value of 20-30 MJ/kg. Like pyrolysis, the properties of the feedstock and the process conditions heavily influence the properties of the black pellets produced.
Biomethane liquefaction
Biomethane liquefaction is the cooling of biomethane obtained from biogas purification to cryogenic temperatures and converting it into a liquid fuel called Bio-LNG. This makes it more efficient to store and transport, while serving as a sustainable, low-carbon alternative.
The process begins with anaerobic digestion (AD), a natural process where organic materials are broken down by microbes in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas. This biogas, typically composed of 50-70% methane along with CO₂ and trace impurities, is then purified and upgraded to biomethane by removing contaminants and carbon dioxide.
Once the biomethane meets stringent quality standards, it undergoes cooling at cryogenic temperatures (around -162°C) to convert it into liquid form, known as Bio-LNG. This liquefied state dramatically reduces its volume,thus giving it the desired properties.
Kawan
Our Engineering Partner
Kawan Engineering Sdn Bhd is a manufacturing and engineering solutions provider based in Malaysia. They operate in three factories with total working area of approximately 13,000 m2.
Onnu has partnered with Kawan to jointly fabricate and deploy pyrolysis reactors, torrefaction reactors and AD biomethane liquefaction plants.
Pyrolysis + torrefaction: a perfect combination
Our unique approach of joining pyrolysis with torrefaction maximises the commercial and environmental opportunities from waste biomass. The process is continuous, and the excess heat transferred from the pyrolysis process to the torrefaction process eliminates external energy requirements. This makes the process much more efficient while still being sustainable.
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