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Nordsol Core technology explained
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Scalable installations for biogas liquefaction

Nordsol’s modular plants turn biogas into high‑quality bio‑LNG with unmatched energy efficiency. Each solution is engineered for superior reliability and operability; from small‑scale units to high‑volume production. With fully integrated upgrading and liquefaction, our technology ensures maximum output, minimum energy use, and the lowest total cost of ownership.

Bio-LNG plants - from compact to high-capacity

Nordsol offers a scalable range of bio-LNG plants, starting at a capacity of 2,5 tonnes per day (tpd), equivalent to 12 GWh per year. Each plant size is optimised for the lowest possible total cost of ownership (TCO), balancing operational expenses and capital investment. For high-capacity applications, a multiple-string concept ensures additional reliability and flexibility. Thanks to a modular design, the installations can be scaled up to meet growing demand.

From compact to high-capacity: scalable bio-LNG installations

Bio‑LNG production plants, designed for biogas

Nordsol Compact 4

Liquefaction capacity
2,5-4,5 tpd | 12-22 GWh/yr

Biomethane intake
120-260 Nm³/h

Total specific energy consumption*
0,95 kWh/kg bio-LNG

Cooling process
Reverse Brayton (N₂)

Membrane performance boost
Flash-2-Sweep™

Layout
From 300m²

Bio-LNG temperature (min)
-160°C

Methane slip
0%

The low-risk pathway to efficient, small-scale production

Nordsol Compact 8

Liquefaction capacity
4,5-10 tpd | 22-50 GWh/yr

Biomethane intake
260-500 Nm³/h

Total specific energy consumption*
0,85 kWh/kg bio-LNG

Cooling process
Reverse Brayton (N₂)

Membrane performance boost
Flash-2-Sweep™

Layout
From 300m²

Bio-LNG temperature (min)
-160°C

Methane slip
0%

The smart choice for medium capacity and enhanced efficiency

Nordsol Core 15

Liquefaction capacity
8-15 tpd
| 40-75 GWh/yr

Biomethane intake
480-900 Nm³/h

Total specific energy consumption*
0,7 kWh/kg bio-LNG

Cooling process
Reverse Brayton (CH₄)

Membrane performance boost
Flash-2-Sweep™

Layout
From 420m²

Bio-LNG temperature (min)
-160°C

Methane slip
0%

The trusted performer with superior efficiency and operability

Nordsol Core 30

Liquefaction capacity
15-30 tpd | 75-150 GWh/yr

Biomethane intake
900-1800 Nm³/h

Total specific energy consumption*
0,7 kWh/kg bio-LNG

Cooling process
Reverse Brayton (CH₄)

Membrane performance boost
Flash-2-Sweep™

Layout
From 650m²

Bio-LNG temperature (min)
-160°C

Methane slip
0%

Same trusted performer, with twice the capacity and enhanced uptime

Nordsol Core 45

Liquefaction capacity
30-45 tpd | 150-225 GWh/yr

Biomethane intake
1800-2700 Nm³/h

Total specific energy consumption*
0,7 kWh/kg bio-LNG

Cooling process
Reverse Brayton (CH₄)

Membrane performance boost
Flash-2-Sweep™

Layout
From 1000m²

Bio-LNG temperature (min)
-160°C

Methane slip
0%

A high-capacity solution with unmatched uptime and efficiency

* THE TOTAL SPECIFIC ENERGY CONSUMPTION THAT IS ACHIEVABLE. THIS INCLUDES ALL ENERGY REQUIRED TO PRODUCE BIO-LNG FROM GRID-QUALITY BIOMETHANE. NORDSOL INSTALLATIONS ARE UNIQUE IN THAT THEY ONLY USE ELECTRICITY. NO HEAT, CHEMICALS OR OTHER CONSUMABLES.

Lowest Total Cost of Ownership

Energy consumption is a significant contributor to bio-LNG production costs. Our bio‑LNG technology is a model of energy efficiency, using proven and less complex methods to make small-scale production cost-effective.

For example, we use only membrane technology for CO₂ removal, avoiding the need for consumables and heat, and minimising maintenance, thus enhancing our operational efficiency. Moreover, our robust liquefaction process, based on the reverse Brayton cycle, ensures continuous production with minimal downtime.

These innovations collectively help in reducing not just the initial investment but also the ongoing operational costs.

Easy to operate, unmanned plant

At Nordsol, we’ve designed our bio‑LNG plants with a clear focus on operational efficiency. The patented production process integrates biogas treatment and liquefaction in one streamlined process, reducing energy consumption and complexity. Thanks to advanced automation and remote monitoring capabilities, the plants operate reliably around the clock with only limited onsite involvement, delivering lower operating costs while enhancing safety and efficiency.

Our breakthrough Nordsol Core technology explained

iWater removal
iVOC & H₂S removal
iBiogas compressor
iMembranes
iFlash-2-Sweep membranes
iBooster compressor
iRecycle gas compressor
iTurbo expander
iHeat exchanger
iSwirl separator
iBio-LNG storage tank
iCO₂ compressor
iBio-CO₂ condensor
iStripper
iReboiler
iBio-CO₂ storage tank
Legenda
In
Out
Out
Step 1

From biogas to liquefaction-ready
biomethane with membranes only

After the removal of water, H₂S and VOCs, biogas flows through membranes in which the CO₂ and methane in the biogas are separated. This is a continuous process that does not require consumables. With the patented Flash-2-Sweep technology the performance of the membranes in the second stage increases 20 times, resulting in liquefaction-ready biomethane without the need for molecular sieves or chemicals.

Step 2

Robust liquefaction of biomethane to bio-LNG

Biomethane is liquefied to bio-LNG by decreasing the temperature to a minimum of -160°C. The phase change from gaseous to liquid biomethane does not happen in the heat exchanger (like in other processes) but in the swirl separator. This avoids cold shocks and reduces the risk of freeze-outs in the heat exchanger. It makes the process even more reliable and simplifies the startup procedure. Flash gas from the bio-LNG storage tank is used to sweep the membranes in the biogas upgrading step.

Step 3

Energy efficiency with pre-cooled reverse Brayton cycle

The thermodynamic laws (nature) primarily determine the efficiency of every cooling process. Nordsol maximises efficiency by using CO₂ as the refrigerant for pre-cooling to –45 °C, followed by a reverse Brayton cycle using biomethane as the most efficient refrigerant in the lower temperature range. This cascade system outperforms processes using helium or nitrogen, which only have benefits at much lower temperatures, such as for liquefying hydrogen. Another key to the superior energy efficiency of this process is the successful integration of a biomethane turbo expander.

Step 4

Integrated bio-CO₂ liquefaction

Bio-CO₂ liquefaction is integrated in the bio-LNG production installation. Liquefaction and reuse of the captured CO₂ further lowers the carbon intensity of the production process. In addition, residual methane in the CO₂ gas stream is fed back to the membranes rather than vented. It is a closed system with zero methane slip. Liquid bio-CO₂ displaces fossil CO₂ in the industry.

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Distinguishing technology features

Flash-2-Sweep™: Our patented Flash-2-Sweep™ technology boosts the performance of membranes 20 times, eliminating the need for chemicals and molecular sieves.

Reverse Brayton (CH₄): The reverse Brayton cooling cycle is optimised for energy efficiency and operability in the required temperature range. In Nordsol Core installations we use methane as the refrigerant, which further improves the efficiency of the cooling process.

Low bio-LNG temperature: Nordsol installations can produce bio-LNG at temperatures of -160°C or higher.

Quick restarts: After a trip it only takes 1,5 hours to restart the plant, minimising downtime.

Zero methane slip: Because of the integration with CO₂ liquefaction, the system is fully closed ensuring zero methane slip which increases yield and avoids emissions.

Self-service offloading: The fuel truck driver performs offloading. The process is semi-automated, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Heat recovery: Nordsol Core installations can return heat at 60 °C to the digester, saving even more energy and reducing the carbon intensity of the produced bio-LNG.

Digital twin: Detailed process simulation is the basis for performance optimisation and predictive maintenance.

Learn more about the technology at these insights pages

Integration with biogas upgrading from leading suppliers

Nordsol collaborates with several leading suppliers of biogas upgrading and CO₂ liquefaction technology. We can integrate our patented liquefaction technology into existing or new biogas upgrading installations, as well as offer a complete plant for producing bio-LNG and biogenic liquid CO₂ from biogas.

Independence from grid connections

Bio‑LNG, as liquefied biomethane, has a higher energy density than biomethane in its gaseous form. This makes it more efficient to store and transport over longer distances.

While gaseous biomethane often requires a connection to a local gas grid for distribution, bio‑LNG can be transported like conventional LNG, using tankers and containers, making it more adaptable to areas without established gas grid infrastructure.

Bio‑LNG can be stored for longer periods without significant energy loss, offering greater flexibility and independence from immediate consumption needs.

Nordsol Core technology explained

We decarbonise long‑haul transport

Decarbonising long-haul, heavy-duty transport – trucks and ships – is challenging, yet crucial for reducing global warming. With its volumetric energy density being three times higher than hydrogen – a feature also utilised in rockets – bio-LNG emerges as a leading solution for these vehicles, especially perfect for long distances.

Let’s join forces to lower CO₂ emissions by replacing diesel and other fossil fuels with bio‑LNG: a cleaner, safer, advanced biofuel.

Wake up.
Bio‑LNG is now.

4 reasons
to join us.

  • 1 Smart business case

    Bio‑LNG has superior economic value. Experience unparalleled energy efficiency and process reliability at the lowest production costs and maximise your profits.

  • 2 Dedicated experts

    Access to our team of experts dedicated to your bio‑LNG project's success, from planning to operation. Ensuring you're not alone in navigating the process.

  • 3 Environmental impact

    Choosing Nordsol means joining a collective effort to address environmental challenges, by making bio‑LNG mainstream and contributing to a sustainable future.

  • 4 Long-term partnership

    Nordsol offers ongoing support beyond plant installation, including maintenance and performance optimisation, ensuring a long-term partnership for success.

7 Reasons for on‑site bio‑LNG production now.

Learn how biogas producers significantly enhance both the ecological and economic value of their biogas through bio-LNG production, utilising Nordsol’s innovative biogas liquefaction technology.

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Your own, onsite bio‑LNG plant. High tech, turnkey.

We will guide you. Every step of the way. You can rely on our technical, operational, and strategic expertise and support. Together, we make decentralised, small-scale bio‑LNG production a reality. Onsite, right next to your biogas installation(s). Using advanced technology, it operates fully automated, without requiring staff.

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