Abstract
Biomass gasification has yet to obtain industrial acceptance. The high residual tar concentrations in syngas prevent any ambitious utilization. In this paper a novel gas purification technology based on catalytic hydrocracking is introduced, whereby most of the tarry components can be converted and removed. Pilot scale experiments were carried out with an updraft gasifier. The hydrocracking catalyst was palladium (Pd). The results show the dominant role of temperature and flow rate. At a constant flow rate of 20 Nm3/h and temperatures of 500 °C, 600 °C and 700 °C the tar conversion rates reached 44.9%, 78.1% and 92.3%, respectively. These results could be increased up to 98.6% and 99.3% by using an operating temperature of 700 °C and lower flow rates of 15 Nm3/h and 10 Nm3/h. The syngas quality after the purification process at 700 °C/10 Nm3/h is acceptable for inner combustion (IC) gas engine utilization.
Highlights
Biomass such as forest, agricultural and organic processing residues can be converted into commercial products via thermo-chemical processes [1,2,3,4,5]
The results show the efficiency of tar removal and conversion and an increase of high caloric value (HCV)
Variation of Flow Rate at Operation Temperature 700 °C. Another factor which can affect tar conversion is the syngas flow rate, which determines the extent of contact between catalysts and tarry compounds
Summary
Biomass such as forest, agricultural and organic processing residues can be converted into commercial products via thermo-chemical processes [1,2,3,4,5]. Combustion, pyrolysis and gasification are three main thermo-chemical conversion methods used for biomass, which is traditionally combusted to supply heat and power for the process industry. The tars consist of a range of oxygenated hydrocarbons and hydro-carbons, typically containing aromatic, polyaromatic, and furanic backbone structures, with aliphatic and oxygenated functional groups (acids, aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols) attached to the backbone [16]. These tars are notorious for condensing and subsequently polymerizing on downstream equipment such as compressors and IC gas engine surfaces if the gas is sufficiently cooled [8,16]. The results show the efficiency of tar removal and conversion and an increase of high caloric value (HCV)
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