Evonik Secures EU and US Patent Protection for 3-Stage Biogas Upgrading Process

Evonik has won two final patent decisions in Europe and the United States, securing legal protection for its 3-stage biogas upgrading process using SEPURAN Green membranes.

The European Patent Office upheld Evonik's EP3240620 B1 patent, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office upheld its US 10,471,380 B2 patent. In both cases, all challenges filed by other parties were dismissed, confirming the patents remain valid.

According to Evonik, the decisions confirm exclusive protection for its 3-stage biogas upgrading process in key markets, including the EU and the U.S. The process is designed to upgrade raw biogas, which is primarily made up of biomethane and carbon dioxide.

One of the primary advantages of the 3-stage process is that it can operate without the need for a second compressor. Evonik states that this simplifies system design while helping customers reduce energy use and operating costs.

The company notes that combining the patented process with its fully integrated membrane technology and customer support results in a purification system that is both energy efficient and cost-effective. The process is intended to meet a range of market needs, including low-pressure operation, capital cost sensitivity, demand for LNG-ready biomethane with very low CO₂ levels, and reduced methane losses.

Evonik has been active in the biogas upgrading market for more than 10 years and says the patented process allows customers to address changing requirements across different regions while maintaining efficiency and cost performance.