Effect of K, Na and Ca-based catalysts on the steam gasification reactions of coal. Part I: Type and amount of one-component catalysts

Abstract

The paper was aimed to assess the efficiency of impregnation of K, Na and Ca-based catalysts on a coal surface and the effect of various loadings of these catalysts on the steam gasification reactions of coal. For this purpose, detailed characteristics of coal samples with catalysts were performed and isothermal gasification measurements at various temperatures were carried out. Based on the measurement data, the carbon conversion reaction and formation reactions of CO and H2 were examined using reactivity indicators and kinetic parameters. All catalysts showed activity, but mainly at low temperatures. The 3 wt% of Na was the most active additive, regardless of process temperature, although an impregnation of Na-catalysts was the least efficient. Other types of catalysts, including the most efficiently applied Ca-catalysts, were less active, and their optimal amounts changed depending on process conditions. Therefore, catalyst type was more crucial than its amount or impregnation efficiency.