Biogas desulfurization with THIOPAQ® at Cocal Energia in Brazil

As the demand for energy continues to grow, the need for viable renewable energy sources becomes increasingly essential. Sugar and ethanol plants have been contributing to bioelectricity production for decades. At the Cocal Narandiba unit in Brazil, a system was implemented to generate electricity and biomethane from the biodigestion of sugar cane processing waste, such as vinasse and filter cake.

The THIOPAQ® deep desulfurization system plays a crucial role in this process by removing H₂S from the generated biogas, making the gas suitable for use. This system accommodates a wide range of KgSº/day, effectively managing the significant variations in flow and load throughout the season and off-season.

The compact THIOPAQ® process offers significant economic advantages through the biological alkalinity recovery of the wash solution. This feature provides cost benefits when compared to conventional biogas scrubbers. Additionally, the system enables the separation and concentration of sulfur, which can be repurposed as a component in fertilizers for sugarcane plantations.

Thanks to THIOPAQ®, Cocal established the first independent biomethane distribution grid system in Brazil. This project supplies renewable biomethane to the municipalities of Presidente Prudente, Narandiba, and Pirapozinho in São Paulo's interior.

The Cocal / Geo Biogas & tech. solution:

• Innovative energy production:
  The Narandiba unit's biogas plant is the first in Brazil with an independent biomethane gas pipeline, developed in collaboration between Cocal and Geo Biogas & Tech.
• Capacity and contribution:
  The unit boasts an installed capacity of 5 MW of electrical energy and an additional 25,000 Nm³/day of biomethane.
• Renewable energy distribution:
  All electrical energy is exported, contributing to the diversification of Brazil's energy matrix, while the biomethane supports industrial customers in the region with renewable energy.