In a recent study [1], the newly developed simulation model “eGas” demonstrated that plasma-assisted entrained flow gasification offers significant advantages over conventional technologies:

• Doubling of the hydrogen content in the synthesis gas through the use of steam plasmas
• Carbon Conversion Efficiency (CCE) of up to 95% – a key contribution to achieving EU recycling targets
• Reduction of CO₂ content in the product gas by up to 79% compared to conventional oxygen gasification
• Plasma Power Conversion Efficiency (PPCE) exceeding 85%, making the technology competitive with electrolysis processes

In the gasification process, plasma serves both as a high-temperature heat source to activate thermochemical reactions and as a reactive medium to influence reaction kinetics in a targeted manner.
Key research areas include the interaction between particles and plasma, as well as the controlled feeding of solids into the plasma zone.

To support this, the chair operates a custom-built test rig for the experimental investigation of the effects of thermal plasma on organic particles.
Using optical measurement systems such as a high-speed camera and spectrometer, the test rig enables precise analysis of the physical impact of plasma on particles. This is complemented by laboratory analysis of the particles before and after plasma treatment. (See figure 1, right)

An additional test rig is used to characterize plasma torches. It provides reliable data on temperature distribution within the plasma and supports the modeling and simulation of plasma processes.

The long-term goal is the development of a plasma-assisted entrained flow gasifier for industrial application.

In plasma-assisted steam reforming, long-chain pyrolysis gas is upgraded to high-quality synthesis gas by adding steam plasma in a high-temperature reactor. This synthesis gas can then be further processed in the chemical industry into basic chemicals such as methanol.

This project is being led within the research initiative H2-Reallabor Burghausen ChemDelta Bavaria. The simplified process flow diagram of the pilot plant can be seen in Figure 2.
The aim is to establish this process chain in the long term in order to produce a valuable product for the chemical industry from heterogeneous, carbon-containing residues.