Abengoa selects Siemens’ compressor train for renewable fuels plant in Nevada

Abengoa, a Spanish engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, recently selected Siemens to supply a compressor train for Fulcrum BioEnergy’s Sierra BioFuels Plant that will use gasification technology to produce low-carbon fuels from municipal solid waste. The plant will be located in Storey County outside of Reno Nevada and is expected to produce approximately 11 million gallons of biofuel per year that will be used by the aviation industry.

Multiple DATUM compressors, like those shown in this photo, will compress synthesis gas to high pressures. (Image Source: Siemens)

Fulcrum’s Sierra BioFuels Plant will divert municipal solid waste that would otherwise be landfilled and will convert it into low-carbon transportation fuel. The fuel produced at the plant will reduce carbon emissions by more than 80%.

Siemens scope of supply includes a steam turbine, three synthesis gas Dresser-Rand DATUM compressors, and balance of plant equipment including coolers, filters and valves. The equipment is expected to ship to Fulcrum’s plant in mid-2019.

Synthesis gas, which is created from the gasification of municipal solid waste, needs to be compressed to high pressures. The highly efficient DATUM compressors, driven by Siemens steam turbine, reduce the plant’s demand for electricity.

Additionally, the DATUM compressor’s modular bundle assembly enables rapid change-out of rotating elements in one cartridge-style unit. The modular bundle allows a DATUM module to be replaced in the field, typically in less than a day – compared to a traditional design that could require a plant to shut down for more than five days – which greatly reduces maintenance time and improves plant availability.

“Abengoa selected Siemens for this important project because of our unique technology offering and proximity to the site,” said Matthew Chinn, Executive Vice President Sales for Siemens Oil & Gas. “The DATUM compressors will be built and tested at our world-class manufacturing operation in Olean, New York, facilitating quick delivery and convenience for inspection and maintenance,” Chinn added.