FT Process Research Articles

Study of Morphometric Analysis of Foramen Transversarium and Uncinate Process and Clinical Relevance in Typical Cervical Vertebrae

The foramen transversarium differentiates the cervical vertebrae from the other vertebrae of the spinal column. From the first part of the subclavian artery, the vertebral artery arises and passes through the foramen transversarium. FT protects the vertebral artery. The medial boundary of the luschka joint is a safe sight to protect the vertebral artery. The Uncovertebral Joint, also known as the Luschka Joint, is a joint that was formed by the Uncinate Process between the cervical vertebra bodies. These joints form the medial border of an intervertebral foramen in the cervical area below C-2 and are rarely found on the first thoracic vertebra. The present study was carried out on 100 dry human typical cervical vertebrae of unknown age and sex to determine the morphometric dimensions of FT and Uncinate Process in typical cervical vertebrae. The dimensions were taken by the digital vernier caliper on the superior aspect of the FT and Uncinate Process. The length and width of the FT were more on the left side than on the right side which was statistically insignificant (p-value >0.05). The narrow FTs were also observed in the present study. The mean difference between the Right and Left sides of the Uncinate Process was statistically not significant (p-value>0.05).

A Review on the Different Aspects and Challenges of the Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM) Reaction.

The dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction is among the most popular catalytic reactions for the production of syngas (H2/CO) with a H2:CO ratio favorable for the Fischer–Tropsch reaction; this makes the DRM reaction important from an industrial perspective, as unlimited possibilities for production of valuable products are presented by the FT process. At the same time, simultaneously tackling two major contributors to the greenhouse effect (CH4 and CO2) is an additional contribution of the DRM reaction. The main players in the DRM arena—Ni-supported catalysts—suffer from both coking and sintering, while the activation of the two reactants (CO2 and CH4) through different approaches merits further exploration, opening new pathways for innovation. In this review, different families of materials are explored and discussed, ranging from metal-supported catalysts, to layered materials, to organic frameworks. DRM catalyst design criteria—such as support basicity and surface area, bimetallic active sites and promoters, and metal–support interaction—are all discussed. To evaluate the reactivity of the surface and understand the energetics of the process, density-functional theory calculations are used as a unique tool.

The Impact of Cancer-Related Financial Toxicity on Reproductive Concerns and Family-Building Decision-Making in Post-Treatment Survivorship.

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors are at-risk for cancer-related financial difficulties (i.e., financial toxicity [FT]). Family building after cancer often requires reproductive medicine or adoption with high costs; AYAs experience financial barriers to family building. This study evaluated the relationships among cancer FT, reproductive concerns, and decision-making processes about family building after cancer. Methods: AYA female (AYA-F) cancer survivors completed a cross-sectional survey including measures of FT, reproductive concerns, decisional conflict about family building, and decision-making self-efficacy. Differences across FT subgroups (i.e., no/mild, moderate, and severe FT) were tested. Linear regression evaluated the relationships between FT and reproductive concerns and decision-making processes. Results: Participants (N = 111) averaged 31.0 years (standard deviation [SD] = 5.49), 90% were nulliparous, and 84% were employed full/part-time. The overall FT levels were in the "moderate" range (M = 20.44, SD = 9.83); 48% worried quite a bit or very much about financial problems because of cancer. AYA-Fs reporting severe FT (24% of sample) experienced higher levels of reproductive concerns compared with those reporting no/mild and moderate FT. Those reporting moderate FT (46% of sample) reported greater decisional conflict about family-building options, compared with the no/mild FT subgroup. Both moderate and severe FT subgroups reported lower decision-making self-efficacy compared with the no/mild FT subgroup. In separate models controlling for covariates, greater FT related to higher levels of reproductive concerns (B = -0.39, p < 0.001), greater decisional conflict about family building (B = -0.56, p = 0.02), and lower decision-making self-efficacy (B = 0.60, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Given the high costs of reproductive medicine and adoption, fertility counseling pre- and post-treatment must address survivors' financial concerns and barriers.

Optimization of reaction parameters of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in the presence of Co‐V/Al2O3 nano‐catalyst

AbstractNano‐catalyst of cobalt‐vanadate (Co‐V/Al2O3, supported on alumina) application in Fischer–Tropsch process (FT) was explored in a various conversions of synthesis gas. The catalyst characterization was performed using different methods including Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Temperature programmed reduction (TPR) profile, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Due to the extreme complexity and nonlinearity of catalytic processes, adaptive network based fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) was developed as a predictive tool for evaluation of Co‐V/Al2O3 nano‐catalyst performance in FT process. Input vector included reaction condition such as, pressure, temperature, time, and CO/H2 ratio of different experiments while the outputs were composition of CO, CO2, and CH4. The proposed model was used for optimization of the process, also the optimal operating conditions were acquired using particle swarm optimization (PSO). The performance of the algorithms and the quality of the solutions were measured by introducing the optimal operating conditions to obtained model. Comparative studies and results analysis were then conducted on the optimization results. The model result shows a good consistency with experimental observations.

Untargeted Metabolomics Combined with Bioassay Reveals the Change in Critical Bioactive Compounds during the Processing of Qingzhuan Tea.

Qingzhuan tea (QZT) is a typical Chinese dark tea that has a long-time manufacturing process. In the present study, liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to study the chemical changes of tea samples during QZT processing. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the pile-fermentation and turnover (post-fermentation, FT) was the crucial stage in transforming the main compounds of QZT, whose contents of flavan-3-ols and flavonoids glycosides were decreased significantly. The bioactivities, including the antioxidant capacities and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, were also reduced after the FT process. It was suggested that although the QZT sensory properties improved following pile-fermentation and aging, the bioactivities remained restrained. Correlation analysis indicated that the main galloylated catechins and flavonoid glycosides were highly related to their antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Drug-to-Antibody Ratio Estimation via Proteoform Peak Integration in the Analysis of Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates with Orbitrap Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry.

The therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in general, and antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) in particular, depend on the drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) distribution and average value. The DAR is considered a critical quality attribute, and information pertaining to it needs to be gathered during ADC/AOC development, production, and storage. However, because of the high structural complexity of ADC/AOC samples, particularly in the initial drug-development stages, the application of the current state-of-the-art mass spectrometric approaches can be limited for DAR analysis. Here, we demonstrate a novel approach for the analysis of complex ADC/AOC samples, following native size-exclusion chromatography Orbitrap Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS). The approach is based on the integration of the proteoform-level mass spectral peaks in order to provide an estimate of the DAR distribution and its average value with less than 10% error. The peak integration is performed via a truncation of the Orbitrap's unreduced time-domain ion signals (transients) before mass spectra generation via FT processing. Transient recording and processing are undertaken using an external data acquisition system, FTMS Booster X2, coupled to a Q Exactive HF Orbitrap FTMS instrument. This approach has been applied to the analysis of whole and subunit-level trastuzumab conjugates with oligonucleotides. The obtained results indicate that ADC/AOC sample purification or simplification procedures, for example, deglycosylation, could be omitted or minimized prior to the DAR analysis, streamlining the drug-development process.

Cobalt Carbide Nanocatalysts for Efficient Syngas Conversion to Value-Added Chemicals with High Selectivity.

Syngas conversion is a key platform for efficient utilization of various carbon-containing resources including coal, natural gas, biomass, organic wastes, and even CO2. One of the most classic routes for syngas conversion is Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), which is already available for commercial application. However, it still remains a grand challenge to tune the product distribution from paraffins to value-added chemicals such as olefins and higher alcohols. Breaking the selectivity limitation of the Anderson-Schulz-Flory (ASF) distribution has been one of the hottest topics in syngas chemistry.Metallic Co0 is a well-known active phase for Co-catalyzed FTS, and the products are dominated by paraffins with a small amount of chemicals (i.e., olefins or alcohols). Specifically, a cobalt carbide (Co2C) phase is typically viewed as an undesirable compound that could lead to deactivation with low activity and high methane selectivity. Although iron carbide (FexC) can produce olefins with selectivity up to ∼60%, the fraction of methane is still rather high, and the required high reaction temperature (300-350 °C) typically causes coke deposition and fast deactivation. Recently, we discovered that Co2C nanoprisms with preferentially exposed facets of (020) and (101) can effectively produce olefins from syngas conversion under mild reaction conditions with high selectivity. The methane fraction was limited within 5%, and the product distribution deviated greatly from ASF statistic law. The catalytic performances of Co2C nanoprisms are completely different from that reported for the traditional FT process, exhibiting promising potential industrial application.This Account summarizes our progress in the development of Co2C nanoprisms for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to olefins (FTO) with remarkable efficiencies and stability. The underlying mechanism for the observed unique catalytic behaviors was extensively explored by combining DFT calculation, kinetic measurements, and various spectroscopic and microscopic investigation. We also emphasize the following issues: particle size effect of Co2C, the promotional effect of alkali and Mn promoters, and the role of metal-support interaction (SMI) in fabricating supported Co2C nanoprisms. Specially, we briefly review the synthetic methods for different Co2C nanostructures. In addition, Co2C can also be applied as a nondissociative adsorption center for higher alcohol synthesis (HAS) via syngas conversion. We also discuss the construction of a Co0/Co2C interfacial catalyst for HAS and demonstrate how to tune the reaction network and strengthen CO nondissociative adsorption ability for efficient production of higher alcohols. We believe that the advances in the development of Co2C nanocatalysts described here present a critic step to produce chemicals through the FTS process.

Combined isoflavones biotransformation increases the bioactive and antioxidant capacity of soymilk.

Isoflavones are phenolic secondary metabolites mainly occurring in soy and soybean products. Compared to glycoside forms, isoflavone aglycones present higher biological activities. This study evaluated the potential of microbial and enzymatic treatments in biotransformed isoflavones in their biologically active forms in soymilk. Seven different cultures of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria associated with the action of immobilized tannase enzyme were screened for isoflavone glycoside biotransformation ability. The biotransformed soymilk samples were characterized regarding isoflavone profile, total phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activities. All bacterial strains showed a good growth capacity in soymilk matrix and produced β-glucosidase enzyme, which hydrolyzed isoflavone glycosides into aglycones in soymilk after 24h of fermentation. The microbial fermentation followed by tannase reaction (FT processes) resulted in the highest increase of bioactive aglycones (10.3- to 13.1-fold for daidzein, 10.4- to 12.3-fold for genistein, and 3.8- to 4.7-fold for glycitein), compared to control soymilk. Further, FT processes enhanced the total phenolic content (53-70%) and antioxidant activity by ORAC (69-102%) and FRAP (49-71%) assays of the soymilk matrix. Therefore, the combination of microbial fermentation and tannase treatment is a promising strategy to obtain a fermented soy product rich in bioactive isoflavones with greater health-promoting potential. KEY POINTS: • Bacterial cultures and tannase enzyme displayed isoflavone deglycosylation activity. • The addition of tannase following the fermentation maximized the isoflavone conversion. • Increased isoflavone aglycones contributed to the improved antioxidant activity of soymilk.

Transient-Mediated Simulations of FTMS Isotopic Distributions and Mass Spectra to Guide Experiment Design and Data Analysis.

Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) applications require accurate analysis of extremely complex mixtures of species in wide mass and charge state ranges. To optimize the related FTMS data analysis accuracy, parameters for data acquisition and the allied data processing should be selected rationally, and their influence on the data analysis outcome is to be understood. To facilitate this selection process and to guide the experiment design and data processing workflows, we implemented the underlying algorithms in a software tool with a graphical user interface, FTMS Isotopic Simulator. This tool computes FTMS data via time-domain data (transient) simulations for user-defined molecular species of interest and FTMS instruments, including diverse Orbitrap FTMS models, followed by user-specified FT processing steps. Herein, we describe implementation and benchmarking of this tool for analysis of a wide range of compounds as well as compare simulated and experimentally generated FTMS data. In particular, we discuss the use of this simulation tool for narrowband, broadband, and low- and high-resolution analysis of small molecules, peptides, and proteins, up to the level of their isotopic fine structures. By demonstrating the allied FT processing artifacts, we raise awareness of a proper selection of FT processing parameters for modern applications of FTMS, including intact mass analysis of proteoforms and top-down proteomics. Overall, the described transient-mediated approach to simulate FTMS data has proven useful for supporting contemporary FTMS applications. We also find its utility in fundamental FTMS studies and creating didactic materials for FTMS teaching.

Innovation in Fischer\u2013Tropsch: Developing Fundamental Understanding to Support Commercial Opportunities

In this contribution we provide details of the BP-Johnson Matthey proprietary Fischer–Tropsch technology and the advanced CANS reactor and catalyst system. The advanced CANS catalyst carrier reactor provides superior heat transfer, reduced pressure drop and higher productivity that lead to major economic savings. Fundamental understanding of catalyst behaviour is also key to obtaining a catalyst that is stable over the lifetime of its use. Synthesis, calcination and reduction steps introduce changes in the catalyst properties prior to syngas introduction. In particular, the presence of water can affect the final catalyst performance. The activity of a good catalyst can be significantly reduced by a sub-optimal activation or start-up. Similarly, stable operation and minimising deactivation are vital for long and stable catalyst life, with years of operation without requiring regeneration. In this report we also share a fundamental study on the catalyst activation across different catalyst supports. This combines advanced in situ techniques with reactor testing to explore the role of the support on catalyst performance. The results illustrate the critical need for a logical and systematic catalyst development programme to explore these effects to optimise the whole FT process. The combination of a joint approach in development plays a key role in a long term success in a process. The fundamental catalyst understanding, optimisation and improvements in combination with the novel CANS reactor design maximise their potential and offer the potential for a world leading technology.

Fischer-Tropsch process from synthesis gas over fe-co/HZSM-5 catalyst to produce biofuel

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is the process of converting hydrogen into liquid fuel through several stages, namely: polymerization of CO and H2 gases into long chain hydrocarbons. From the FT process that requires many of these steps, this research was carried out in order to be able to simplify the Fischer-Tropsch process through limited polymerization to obtain liquid fuels. By combining Co and Fe metal catalysts, it is expected to show better performance than the use of individual metals. Using a Fe-Co/HZSM-5 metal catalyst combination in a fixed bed reactor at a reaction temperature of 225°C. Fe-Co / HZSM-5 catalyst was made by wet impregnation, then Fe-Co/HZSM-5 catalyst was characterized using XRD, BET, and SEM-EDX. From the XRD results, the addition of Fe and Co did not change the crystal structure of the HZSM-5 catalyst. The surface area of the HZSM-5 was 526.03 m2/g and decreased after the addition of metal (Fe and Co) to the HZSM-5. This change indicates that Fe and Co particles were successfully dispersed on the surface of the HZSM-5 and inserted into the HZSM-5 pore. Hydrocarbon biofuel products are analyzed using GC-MS. The results of GC-MS hydrocarbon products showed the highest compounds for hydrocarbons C13 and C14 chains were 5.78% and 6.68% at 225 °C.

Effect of Co-Feeding Inorganic and Organic Molecules in the Fe and Co Catalyzed Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: A Review

This short review makes it clear that after 90 years, the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) process is still not well understood. While it is agreed that it is primarily a polymerization process, giving rise to a distribution of mainly olefins and paraffins; the mechanism by which this occurs on catalysts is still a subject of much debate. Many of the FT features, such as deactivation, product distributions, kinetics and mechanism, and equilibrium aspects of the FT processes are still subjects of controversy, regardless of the progress that has been made so far. The effect of molecules co-feeding in FTS on these features is the main focus of this study. This review looks at some of these areas and tries to throw some light on aspects of FTS since the inception of the idea to date with emphasis and recommendation made based on nitrogen, water, ammonia, and olefins co-feeding case studies.

Multiplexed Middle-Down Mass Spectrometry as a Method for Revealing Light and Heavy Chain Connectivity in a Monoclonal Antibody.

Pairing light and heavy chains in monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using top-down (TD) or middle-down (MD) mass spectrometry (MS) may complement the sequence information on single chains provided by high-throughput genomic sequencing and bottom-up proteomics, favoring the rational selection of drug candidates. The 50 kDa F(ab) subunits of mAbs are the smallest structural units that contain the required information on chain pairing. These subunits can be enzymatically produced from whole mAbs and interrogated in their intact form by TD/MD MS approaches. However, the high structural complexity of F(ab) subunits requires increased sensitivity of the modern TD/MD MS for a comprehensive structural analysis. To address this and similar challenges, we developed and applied a multiplexed TD/MD MS workflow based on spectral averaging of tandem mass spectra (MS/MS) across multiple liquid chromatography (LC)-MS/MS runs acquired in reduced or full profile mode using an Orbitrap Fourier transform mass spectrometer (FTMS). We first benchmark the workflow using myoglobin as a reference protein, and then validate it for the analysis of the 50 kDa F(ab) subunit of a therapeutic mAb, trastuzumab. Obtained results confirm the envisioned benefits in terms of increased signal-to-noise ratio of product ions from utilizing multiple LC-MS/MS runs for TD/MD protein analysis using mass spectral averaging. The workflow performance is compared with the earlier introduced multiplexed TD/MD MS workflow based on transient averaging in Orbitrap FTMS. For the latter, we also report on enabling absorption mode FT processing and demonstrate its comparable performance to the enhanced FT (eFT) spectral representation.

Equation-Oriented Framework for Optimal Synthesis of Integrated Reactive Distillation Systems for Fischer–Tropsch Processes

To explore reactive distillation (RD) for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS), we develop a steady-state adiabatic RD model for this system. Here, the calculation of the vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) through cubic equation of state is used to describe the phase behavior. Rate expressions for the FT and the water–gas shift reactions are expressed in terms of fugacities and product selectivity of catalysts are based on Anderson–Schulz–Flory distribution and experimental data. Next, a mass, equilibrium, summation, and heat model is extended by considering bypass streams for nonreactive trays and is used to integrate column structure blocks. A step-by-step initialization procedure is proposed to accommodate the complexity of the RD column and the high nonlinearity. This includes case studies of operating variables in a reactive flash model prepared for performance optimization of RD. Finally, a typical low-temperature FT process, which favors diesel production is implemented in the RD model. Comparing the RD for...

Dental considerations and the role of prosthodontics and maxillofacial prosthetics in facial transplantation

BackgroundFacial transplantation (FT) is a challenging reconstructive endeavor that requires the expertise of a multidisciplinary team. The specific role of maxillofacial prosthodontists has not yet been reported in detail. MethodsThis review considers the contributions of prosthodontists throughout the FT process, from patient selection and dental evaluation to long-term dental rehabilitation of the transplant patient postoperatively. Moreover, considerations of dental management are evaluated. ResultsIn the almost 40 FT reported in the literature, the most consistently documented contribution by prosthodontists is the fabrication of a donor mask to maintain donor integrity. Though infrequently reported, prosthodontists have the potential to plan and perform a variety of dental procedures and follow-up plans. ConclusionsWhen applicable, facial transplant teams are tasked with providing optimal stomatognathic function and dental occlusion to recipients with severe facial disfigurement. The maxillofacial prosthodontist’s contribution is crucial to the long-term dental restoration of the edentulous facial transplant candidate, in addition to the fabrication of the donor mask which fulfills the team’s ethical responsibilities. Practical ImplicationsMaxillofacial prosthodontists play a pivotal role in facial transplantation, particularly when jaw segments are intended for transplantation.

An effective frame-based high frequency speech transposition by using neural network

This paper investigate design methodology and performance of neural network based frequency transposition algorithm for hearing aid users. High frequency hearing loss associated with hearing disabled person is promising issue for research. Frequency compression and frequency transposition schemes are key solution to overcome high frequency hearing loss. Neural approach to frequency transposition makes algorithm more sensitive, accurate and specific towards processing. The proposed neural network frequency transposition (NNFT) algorithm is based on framing of speech into feature vector for NN with comprehensive training and processing. The parameter to set in NNFT algorithm was calculated by evaluative study. Using these algorithm Marathi alphabets, words, confusing words are efficiently classified. Classification will improve acceptance and rejection rate for FT processing. Validation and testing result of algorithm shows improvement in sensitivity, accuracy, specificity of NNFT method compared to FT method.

Influence of Different Pretreatment Methods on Biomass Gasification and Production of Fischer-Tropsch Crude Integrated with a Pulp and Paper Mill

In this paper, the influence on the system performance of different biomass pretreatment methods before gasification and subsequent production of Fischer-Tropsch crude is considered. Entrained flow gasification at high pressure is a well proven technology for coal as feedstock with the benefit of producing a practically tar free raw gas with a close to complete carbon conversion. The short residence time in this type of gasifier requires a fuel, which is relatively dry and has a small particle size, to be pressurized from ambient conditions up to 20-50 bar. The small particle size can be acquired by grinding but this is highly energy intensive and feeding is challenging. Torrefaction is a thermal pretreatment method carried out at around 300 °C which makes the biomass easier to grind, thus requiring less electricity, and makes the material less fibrous, while on the other hand requiring heat for the process. Pyrolysis is a process carried out at around 500 °C which lets the biomass decompose into a gaseous, a liquid and a solid part. The solid part can be grinded and fed into the gasifier together with the liquid and gaseous phases. This will further facilitate the feeding but with a further increased heat demand compared to torrefaction. The different pretreatment methods and their impact on the overall biorefinery energy system have been studied and evaluated using process integration methodology. The results show that the excess heat from an FT process with a biomass input of 300 MW(HHV) can replace the solid fuel boiler in a large chemical pulp and paper mill. With the preconditions given for this study, thermal pretreatment of the biomass can be beneficial in terms of system thermal efficiency.

Evaluation of Reoxidation Thresholds for γ-Al2O3-Supported Cobalt Catalysts under Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Conditions.

Size-dependent phenomena at the nanoscale influence many applications, notably in the science of heterogeneous catalysis. In cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), the size of Co nanoparticles (NPs) dictates to a high degree catalyst's performance in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability. Here, a highly dispersed Re/Co/γ-Al2O3 catalyst with high Co surface area per gram of catalyst was exposed to industrially relevant FTS conditions and monitored in situ by synchrotron X-ray radiation. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra were obtained on the cobalt K edge and Re L3 edge of the working catalyst. The experimental results demonstrate development of tetrahedrally coordinated Co2+ forming at the expense of metallic Co(0). The structure of the oxide resembles CoAl2O4 and appears at the onset (first 5-10 h) of the reaction. Reoxidation of Co(0) is more pronounced close to the outlet of the reactor, where higher pH2O is anticipated. The state of the Re promoter does not change during the FT process. We propose that reoxidation of small Co NPs is followed by spreading of Co oxide that leads to the formation of CoxAlyOz phases. Hence, in order to avoid an irreversible loss of the active phase during process start-up, catalyst design should be restricted to Co NPs larger than 5.3 nm.

Syngas production via steam reforming of bioethanol over Ni–BEA catalysts: A BTL strategy

In this work we focused on syngas production from bioethanol, achieving proper H2/CO = 2 ratio to feed the FT reaction. The catalysts were constituted by Ni supported over BEA zeolites. The Si/Al ratio was varied to assess the effect of acidity on catalyst activity, selectivity and stability. As well, the effect of Ni loading (0.6–4 wt%) was investigated.Ni confinement into the zeolite pores proved a successful strategy to contrast deactivation by coking and to ensure stable operation with time-on-stream. Intermediate Ni loading (1.5–4 wt%) allowed to limit byproducts formation and to achieve the desired H2/CO ratio (ca. 2 mol/mol) for the present application. By contrast, increasing Ni loading increased the activity for both the reforming and the water gas shift reactions, thus improving H2 productivity but unbalancing the reaction mixture for application in the FT process. The conversion of CO through the WGS reaction showed strongly correlated to Ni loading, as well as the reforming of methane, a byproduct of bioethanol decomposition. The equilibrium conversion was achieved at the highest Ni loading.

Co-production of gasification based biofuels in existing combined heat and power plants – Analysis of production capacity and integration potential

Solid fuel fired fluidized bed (FB) boilers are common in combined heat and power (CHP) plants in district heating- and process industry. In this study, utilization of such FB boilers for production of syngas in dual fluidized bed gasifiers and subsequent catalytic biofuel production to substitute natural gas (SNG), methanol (MeOH) and Fischer-Tropsch fuel (FT) has been examined. Based on the hypothesis that waste-heat and tail gas from the biofuel processes can be utilized in the CHP plant, process configurations aiming for operationally robustness and low investment cost rather than maximum stand-alone efficiency have been explored and implemented in actual industrial cases and over the full operating range of the boilers. The results of the study show that significant improvements of overall efficiency can be achieved by integration of the biofuel processes in the CHP plants and that a relatively high biofuel production capacity can be achieved. SNG showed the highest obtainable efficiency and production capacity of the studied biofuels, whereas the FT process showed largest increase in terms of efficiency when integrated in the CHP plant, compared to its stand-alone efficiency.