Chapter 17 - Syngas production from wood and cardboard waste

Abstract

The gasified form of biomass is called syngas, which is an important source of feedstock for several fuels, liquid chemicals, and other high-value liquid products. Syngas can be produced from biomass via biochemical or thermochemical process. Woody biomass such as saw dust, wood chips and barks, agro residues such as straw, bagasse and grasses, waste cardboard, and solid waste collected from cities are few examples of potential source of biomass for syngas production. In this chapter, production of syngas from various woody biomass and cardboard has been discussed in detail. A synopsis of global supply potential of woody biomass and cardboard has been presented. Different pretreatment methods for biomass before gasification have been highlighted, which enables efficient gasification. Various parameters affecting syngas production have been discussed critically. Effect of structure and composition of biomass as well as use of catalyst for tar and heavy hydrocarbon reforming during gasification process is an important part of this chapter. Moreover, technoeconomic analysis of woody biomass and cardboard gasification and various factors affecting on cost of syngas production is also discussed briefly. Future prospect and few challenges of syngas production from wood and cardboard have been reflected in this chapter.