Syngas Research Articles

Revealing the ecological footprint of Argan (Argania spinosa) derivatives: A comprehensive analysis of the carbon impact of Argan oil

Argania spinosa, commonly known as the Argan tree, assumes a crucial role in bolstering environmental sustainability by augmenting carbon storage in both biomass and soil. Despite its significant environmental contributions, there exists a conspicuous gap in scientific research and data pertaining to the carbon dynamics associated with Moroccan Argan forest ecosystems and their prized products, particularly Argan oil. To address this research gap, our study meticulously investigates the intricate details of the carbon footprint linked to Argan oil production within the "Argan Biosphere Reserve" in southern Morocco.This innovative research aims to deliver a comprehensive assessment of the carbon footprint within the Argan oil industry, conducting a thorough examination of 10 companies and 16 cooperatives actively involved in production. The foundation of this investigation rests on on-site interviews with leaders of production units, systematically gathering essential data for rigorous analysis.Employing the "Bilan Carbone" tool, we intricately calculated emissions, categorizing them into three scopes. The resulting carbon footprint outcomes were meticulously delineated across three distinct scenarios, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions.In the first scenario, encompassing all scopes, including export-related emissions, companies displayed an average carbon footprint of approximately 10.17 kg CO2 eq.l−1, while cooperatives recorded 8.68 kg CO2 eq.l−1. The second scenario, excluding export-related emissions, unveiled companies with an average carbon footprint of 3.71 kg CO2-eq.l−1 and cooperatives with 6.32 kg CO2-eq.l−1. The third Scenario, concentrating solely on scopes 1 and 2, indicated companies with an average estimated carbon footprint of 1.31 kg CO2 eq.l−1, and cooperatives with approximately 3.01 kg CO2 eq.l−1.Delving deeper into the intricacies of emissions by scenario and oil-producing organizations, our findings underscore the substantial impact of electricity consumption on the overall carbon footprint of Argan oil. For companies, electricity consumption contributed between 10.84% (first scenario) and 66.97% (third scenario), while for cooperatives, the range was 26.97% (first scenario) to 75.57% (third scenario).To optimize the carbon footprint, our study recommends strategic interventions such as reducing electricity and butane consumption. Moreover, adopting sustainable practices, including leveraging photovoltaic electricity and synthetic gas from the pyrolysis of Argan byproducts, can significantly curtail the average carbon footprint of companies and cooperatives, charting a trajectory toward environmental sustainability. Specifically, a reduction of 37.05% and 40.75% (second scenario) and an impressive 71.66% and 77.01% (third scenario) for companies and cooperatives, respectively, could be achieved after a 30-year amortization period of photovoltaic panels.These findings not only contribute valuable insights into the environmental impact of Argan oil production but also pave the way for future in-depth studies and the formulation of sustainable pathways to optimize the carbon footprint of this critical industry.

Plasma Processing of Rubber Powder from End-of-Life Tires: Numerical Analysis and Experiment

Tire recycling is becoming an increasingly important problem due to the growing number of end-of-life tires (ELTs). World-wide, ELTs account for more than 80 million tons. ELTs contribute to environmental pollution in the long term. They are flammable, toxic and non-biodegradable. At the same time, ELTs contain rubber, metal and textile cord, which are valuable raw materials. ELTs are buried in landfills, burned, crushed and restored. Most of these methods have a negative impact on the environment. From an environmental point of view, the most preferred ways to recycle tires are retreading and shredding. Rubber powder (RP) or crumb is mainly used for rubber pavers production, waterproofing, curbs, road slabs and various surfaces. An alternative method for RP processing, eliminating the disadvantages of the above approaches, is plasma gasification and pyrolysis. The paper presents a thermodynamic and kinetic analysis and an experiment on plasma processing of RP from worn tires to produce flammable gas. At a mass-average temperature of 1750 K, the yield of synthesis gas from plasma-air gasification of RP was 44.6% (hydrogen—19.1, carbon monoxide—25.5), and 95.6% of carbon was gasified. The experimental and calculated results satisfactorily agreed. It was found that plasma products from RP did not contain harmful impurities, either in calculations or experiments. Plasma gasification allows for recycling ELTs in an environmentally friendly way while also generating flammable gases that are valuable commodities. In this research, plasma technology was demonstrated to be effective for gasifying RP to produce flammable gas.

Lattice numerical modeling of the effects of synthetic gas flow rate and pre-existing cleat dimensions on the crack propagation and cavity growth in UCG process

Lattice numerical modeling of the effects of synthetic gas flow rate and pre-existing cleat dimensions on the crack propagation and cavity growth in UCG process

Tri-reforming of methane over Ni/ZrO2 catalyst derived from Zr-MOF for the production of synthesis gas.

The increasing concentration of CO2 and CH4 in the environment is a global concern. Tri-reforming of methane (TRM) is a promising route for the conversion of these two greenhouse gases to more valuable synthesis gas with an H2/CO ratio of 1.5-2. In this study, a series of Zr-MOF synthesized via the solvothermal method and impregnation technique was used to synthesize the nickel impregnated on MOF-derived ZrO2 catalyst. The catalyst was characterized by various methods, including N2-porosimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), CO2-temperature programmed desorption (CO2-TPD), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), chemisorption, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Characterization results confirmed the formation of the Zr-MOF and nickel metal dispersed on MOF-derived ZrO2. Further, the tri-reforming activity of the catalyst developed was evaluated in a downflow-packed bed reactor. The various catalysts were screened for TRM activity at different temperatures (600-850°C). Results demonstrated that TRM was highly favorable over the NZ-1000 catalyst due to its desirable physicochemical properties, including nickel metal surface area (2.3 m2/gcat-1), metal dispersion (7.1%), and nickel metal reducibility (45%), respectively. Over the NZ-1000 catalyst, an optimum H2/CO ratio of ~ 1.6-2 was achieved at 750°C, and it was stable for a longer period of time.

Exploring Corn Cob Gasification as a Low-Carbon Technology in the Corn Flour Industry in Mexico

In 2021, Mexico produced approximately 24.2 million tons of white corn, generating 3.6 million tons of corn cob residue. The final disposal of corn cob poses an environmental challenge in certain regions. This study examines the technical–economic feasibility and the greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential of integrating a small-scale cogenerating gasifier fueled by corn cob into a nixtamalized corn flour manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME). This integration enables the generation of heat and electricity from the produced synthesis gas. Moreover, the process yields residual carbon, which can be used as biochar for soil restoration and removing atmospheric CO2. This option holds significance for the corn flour agroindustry in Mexico, as, in 2021, it consumed approximately 601.9 GWh of electrical energy and 938,279 GJ of thermal energy from LP Gas in its manufacturing processes to produce 2.6 million tons of nixtamalized white corn flour. These processes contributed to a total emission of 410,232 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The findings of this study demonstrate a cumulative reduction of 51.7% in CO2 emissions, resulting in economic benefits of USD 85,401 in 2017 for a case study SME that annually produces 1039 tons of corn flour. This study reveals the integration of a gasifier–cogenerator system fueled by corn cob as an economically viable low-carbon technology in the corn flour manufacturing industry.

Analysis of the state of the art technologies for the utilization and processing of associated petroleum gas into valuable chemical products

Abstract The problems concerning the insufficient level of associated petroleum gas (APG) processing are discussed. Various models are proposed for the chemical utilization of APG, including the production of synthesis gas, methanol, dimethyl ether, ammonia, as well as the processes of aromatization of hydrocarbons, etc. The possibility of using APG as a fuel for generating electricity is discussed. Attention is paid to the processes of APG purification from sulfur impurities. Difficulties and solutions to the problems of the energy sector of APG utilization are discussed.

Influence of nickel contents on synthesis gas production over nickel-based catalysts supported by treated activated carbon in dry reforming of methane

This study focuses on the utilization of activated carbon (AC) as a catalyst support after undergoing treatment with HNO3. The treated AC exhibited a microporous structure and a high specific surface area (SBET) of 1483.8 m2 g−1. In this study, supported nickel-based catalysts were synthesized using the wet impregnation method with varying amounts of NiO (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 wt%). The calcined catalyst samples were then evaluated for their performance in the dry reforming of methane (DRM). Characterization of the catalysts was conducted through FESEM, TPO, H2-TPR, XRD, and N2 adsorption-desorption (BET) analyses. The results revealed that catalytic efficiency increased with an increase in the nickel loading percentage, up to 12.5 wt%. The NiO (12.5)/AC catalyst demonstrated the highest CH4 (60%) and CO2 (68%) conversions and exhibited good stability at 700 °C during 10 h of reaction. Additionally, the catalyst's efficiency decreased with an increase in the calcination temperature from 400 to 600 °C. However, alterations in the CH4/CO2 molar ratio from 0.5 to 1.5 indicated that CH4 and CO2 conversions decreased from 85% to 40% and increased from 63% to 74% at 700 °C, respectively. Moreover, the findings demonstrated that elevating the gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) from 12,000 to 18,000 ml h−1.g−1cat resulted in a decline in catalytic efficiency at a temperature of 700 °C. Moreover, the catalytic efficiency declined with an increase in the reduction temperature from 500 to 600 °C.

Cathodic Conversion of Pressurized CO2 at Silver cathodes: What are the Optimal Values of Pressure and Current Density?

The cathodic reduction of pressurized CO2 (PrCO2CR) at suitable cathodes can allow to produce various chemicals, such as formic acid/formate and carbon monoxide or synthesis gas, with high faradic efficiencies (FEs) and productivities. Here, we have performed the conversion of CO2 in an undivided pressurized electrochemical reactor using silver cathode in order to determine the optimal values of CO2 pressure and current density. It was found that the plot FE vs. pressure resulted in a curve with a maximum. Similarly, an optimal value of current density can be selected for the PrCO2CR. The competition between the production of carbon monoxide and formic acid/formate is strongly affected by both the pressure and the current density. Eventually the effect of pressure and current density on the economic figures of the process was evaluated.

Plasma Gasification Trasforming Waste Into Energy

Plasma gasification is a cutting-edge technology that transforms various types of waste into clean energy sources. This process involves subjecting waste materials to extremely high temperatures in a controlled environment, breaking them down into their elemental components, and converting them into synthetic gas (syngas) or plasma. The syngas produced can be used as a fuel for electricity generation or as a feedstock for chemical synthesis, while the plasma can be utilized for various industrial applications. This paper explores the principles of plasma gasification, its environmental benefits, technological advancements, and potential challenges.

Experimental assessment of oxy-CO2 gasification strategy with woody biomass

This paper presents the results obtained during an extensive experimental campaign focused on analysing the application of Oxy-CO2 gasification technology to a small downdraft gasifier fed with woody biomass. Oxy-gasification enables the production of a nitrogen-free synthesis gas (syngas), which can be effectively employed in the synthesis of various high-value chemicals, including but not limited to synthetic natural gas (SNG), methanol (CH3OH), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen and more.The gasifier performances were analysed using different CO2/O2 ratios in the feed (between 1 and 3 kg/kg). The inlet biomass flow rate was approximately 12–18 kg/h, while the equivalence ratio ranged between 19 % and 26 %. The results show that the gasifier can produce a syngas flow rate in the range of 15–25 Nm3/h with a lower heating value (LHV) of between 8 and 10 MJ/Nm3 and a cold gas efficiency of up to 78 %. The operative behaviour of the gasification system is stable and simple to control.

Preparation and Evaluation of Resistance Coke Formation Catalysts in Combined Reforming of Methane Using Steam and Oxygen for the Production of Synthesis Gas

Preparation and Evaluation of Resistance Coke Formation Catalysts in Combined Reforming of Methane Using Steam and Oxygen for the Production of Synthesis Gas

The effects of synthesis gas feedstocks and oxygen perturbation on hydrogen production by Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius

BackgroundThe facultatively anaerobic thermophile Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius is able to produce hydrogen gas (H2) through the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction. To date this process has been evaluated under controlled conditions, with gas feedstocks comprising carbon monoxide and variable proportions of air, nitrogen and hydrogen. Ultimately, an economically viable hydrogenogenic system would make use of industrial waste/synthesis gases that contain high levels of carbon monoxide, but which may also contain contaminants such as H2, oxygen (O2) and other impurities, which may be toxic to P. thermoglucosidasius.ResultsWe evaluated the effects of synthesis gas (syngas) mimetic feedstocks on WGS reaction-driven H2 gas production by P. thermoglucosidasius DSM 6285 in small-scale fermentations. Improved H2 gas production yields and faster onset towards hydrogen production were observed when anaerobic synthetic syngas feedstocks were used, at the expense of biomass accumulation. Furthermore, as the WGS reaction is an anoxygenic process, we evaluated the influence of O2 perturbation on P. thermoglucosidasius hydrogenogenesis. O2 supplementation improved biomass accumulation, but reduced hydrogen yields in accordance with the level of oxygen supplied. However, H2 gas production was observed at low O2 levels. Supplementation also induced rapid acetate consumption, likely to sustain growth.ConclusionThe utilisation of anaerobic syngas mimetic gas feedstocks to produce H2 and the relative flexibility of the P. thermoglucosidasius WGS reaction system following O2 perturbation further supports its applicability towards more robust and continuous hydrogenogenic operation.

Combustion of Synthesis Gas with the Constant Amount of Inert Gases in the Microcogeneration Unit Engine

Combustion of Synthesis Gas with the Constant Amount of Inert Gases in the Microcogeneration Unit Engine

Optimizing membrane reactor structures for enhanced hydrogen yield in CH4 tri-reforming: Insights from sensitivity analysis and machine learning approaches

This study explores the optimization of membrane reactor configurations to enhance hydrogen production through CH4 tri-reforming. The investigation employs ceramic membranes for oxygen, vapor, and carbon dioxide distribution within the reactor bed. A differential evolution algorithm is utilized alongside cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) and support vector regression (SVR) to determine optimal values for O2/CH4, H2O/CH4, and CO2/CH4 ratios, membrane thickness, and shell pressure, with hydrogen yield as the objective function. Results demonstrate that the oxygen membrane reactor achieves the highest hydrogen yield, reaching 2.02 and 1.75 for direct methanol synthesis and Fischer–Tropsch processes, respectively, representing a 7.98 % and 10.03 % increase compared to the conventional tri-reforming reactor. Furthermore, CSA and SVR emerge as invaluable tools, facilitating robust optimization and predictive modeling. The CSA efficiently navigates complex solution spaces to identify optimal parameters, while SVR accurately models relationships between input variables and hydrogen yield. Incorporating these methodologies enhances the effectiveness of membrane reactor design and synthesis gas production. This study contributes to advancements in clean energy technologies by providing insights into efficient hydrogen production methods using membrane reactors.

Study on gasification reaction and energy conversion characteristics of the entrained flow coal gasification based on chemical kinetics simulation

Coal gasification that converts coal into syngas is a promising technology for efficient and clean utilization of coal. Current simulations of coal gasification are mostly based on equilibrium reactions, which cannot reflect the residence time and carbon conversion rate. In this paper, the reliable chemical kinetics simulation of the coal gasification is carried out considering the solid residence time and the effects of the main parameters on the gasification performance are analyzed. The results show that the higher the O2/coal ratio, the higher the carbon conversion rate until it reaches 100 %. However, an excessively high O2/coal ratio will reduce the cold gas efficiency. Therefore, the ideal cold gas efficiency is further proposed, revealing the energy saving potential of the system by reusing the ungasified coal. Based on this, the energy conversion characteristics of the combined cycle system were analyzed, showing that the effective conversion of coal to synthetic gas is the key to improving efficiency.

Determining the influence of synthesis gas additives on the environmental performance of internal combustion engine

The object of research is the environmental parameters of a reciprocating engine when using a synthesis gas additive to the main fuel. The research is aimed at solving the problem of reducing the concentration of harmful components in the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine by adding synthesis gas to the main fuel. Experimentally, the dependences of the effect of the addition of synthesis gas to ethanol on the change in the environmental performance of a piston engine with spark ignition were obtained. The positive effect of the addition of synthesis gas obtained by thermochemical conversion to ethanol in an amount of up to 5 % by weight on the environmental performance of a spark-ignition piston engine was established. Provided that the engine achieves the same effective power, the use of a synthesis gas additive to the main fuel made it possible to reduce the concentration of CO by 61.5 % and CH by 51.3 % in the exhaust gases. no more than 25–30 words The addition of synthesis gas contributed to the formation of radicals that activate oxidation chain reactions, and also made it possible to increase the normal combustion rate of the fuel-air mixture by 6.25 %. This ensures normal engine operation on a leaner fuel-air mixture (α=1.21) without deterioration of environmental, energy and economic performance. no more than 25-30 words The simultaneous reduction of the concentration of harmful components in the exhaust gases and engine efficiency can be achieved by using fuels with a wide concentration limit of ignition and high combustion rate in a lean mixture. The experimental data obtained can be used in the design or modernization of transport and stationary power plants with internal combustion engines as an approach to meet ever-increasing environmental standards

Simulation of dimethyl ether production as LPG substitute using LNG from Arun terminal with tri-reforming and direct synthesis method

Increased demand for LNG compels Indonesia to import to meet these needs. Substituting LNG with alternative fuel emerges as a strategy to reduce LPG imports. One such alternative can be used for LPG substitution is Dimethyl Ether. Dimethyl ether is a colorless compound possesses a heating value of 30,5 MJ/kg and an energy equivalency with LPG ranging between 1,56 – 1,76. Dimethyl ether can be directly synthesized from synthetic gas produced through natural gas reforming. Production of synthetic gas from natural gas employs the tri-reforming method which integrating steam reforming, dry reforming, and partial oxidation methods in a single reactor offering optimal energy utilization advantages and minimal environmental impact. Dimethyl ether production from synthetic gas is using direct synthesis method, combining methanol synthesis and dehydration in a single reactor providing high conversion advantages compared to indirect synthesis method. Simulation was carried out using process simulator program ASPEN Plus V11. Based on the simulation results, dimethyl ether yield and selectivity is 99.62%.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Mixed Thermodynamic Inhibitors with Different Concentrations on Natural Gas Hydrate Synthesis

Natural gas hydrate (NGH) is a potential future energy resource. More than 90% of NGH resources exist in the pore medium of seafloor sediments. During the development of deep-sea oil and gas fields, wellbore pipelines are often clogged due to the synthesis of gas hydrates, and the addition of thermodynamic inhibitors is a common solution to prevent hydrate synthesis. In this paper, the effects of two single inhibitors, sodium chloride and ethylene glycol, as well as hybrid inhibitors combining these two inhibitors on the synthesis of methane hydrates were investigated using the self-developed one-dimensional gas hydrate exploitation simulation test apparatus. The effects of single and hybrid inhibitors were investigated in terms of the hydrate synthesis volume and gas–water two-phase conversion rate. The results show that the hybrid inhibitor has a better inhibitory effect on hydrate synthesis with the same initial synthesis driving force. When the concentration of inhibitors is low, salt inhibitors can have a better inhibitory effect than alcohol inhibitors. However, in the mixed inhibitor experiment, increasing the proportion of ethylene glycol in the mixed inhibitor can more effectively inhibit the synthesis of hydrates than increasing the proportion of sodium chloride in the mixed inhibitor.

Tri‐reforming of Methane over a Hydroxyapatite Supported Nickel Catalyst

AbstractFor the first time, a catalyst containing 5 wt. % Ni supported on a hydroxyapatite support (HAP) has been synthesized and evaluated in tri‐reforming of methane (TRM) for synthetic gas (syngas) production. Nickel nanoparticles could be easily formed on HAP surface by using the conventional incipient wetness impregnation technique. In TRM, under unfavorable reaction conditions from the thermodynamic point of view (e. g. medium reforming temperature of 700–800 °C, low steam‐to‐carbon ratio, etc.), this catalyst showed high methane conversion (up to 90 %), however, some deactivations took place. The latter could be explained by both the thermal sintering of nickel nanoparticles and the solid carbon formation. The impact of the main operational parameters has been studied. Increasing the reaction temperature, the molar ratios of oxygen‐to‐carbon and steam‐to‐carbon are favorable for the methane conversion and mostly for the stability of the catalyst. High methane conversion of ca. 90 % with a perfect catalytic stability during 300 hours‐on‐stream could be achieved at 800 °C and 1.4 bar, using a mixture containing low ratio of oxidant‐to‐carbon (molar ratio of CH4/CO2/H2O/O2/N2=1.0/0.67/0.9/0.1/0). These results offer the opportunity to further design an optimal Ni/HAP catalyst by improving metal‐support interaction and downsizing nickel nanoparticles.

Perspectives of using syngas in gas turbine plants

RELEVANCE. The insufficiently wide scope of gas turbine plants (GTP) is associated with the lack of widespread availability of gas pipelines supplying the main fuel – natural gas. Interest in alternative fuels and the search for the most suitable ones in order to switch from traditional energy sources has increased intensively over time. Currently, there are methods of gasification of solid fuels that expand not only the possibilities of using the fuel itself, but also pushing the boundaries of the applicability of GTP both in terms of production specialization and geographical location. Coal is the most affordable energy resource in the world, due to its prevalence, but its limited use in modern energy facilities is due to the worldwide policy of decarbonization of energy. Coal gasification makes it possible to increase energy characteristics and reduce emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere when using coal. PURPOSE. Determination of the efficiency and expediency of using generator gas obtained from coal in gas turbine plant, as well as consideration of the possibility of its modernization. METHODS. To achieve set goal, an automated system of gas dynamic calculations of energy turbomachines (AS GDCET) will be used, which will calculate a mathematical model of a gas turbine installation and conduct numerical studies when characteristics change, as well as using a module for approximating the component composition of fuel. The research is carried out when the electric load of a gas turbine plant of the NK-16-18 ST type changes in the range from 15 to 18 MW. RESULTS. According to the results of the study, the dependences of the total hourly and specific fuel consumption, effective efficiency, temperature in the combustion chamber and at the outlet of the power turbine on changes in the electric load of the gas turbine installation were obtained. Having a lower calorific value, the expected synthesis gas reduces the electricalefficiency of the gas turbine engine, which is expressed in a decrease in efficiency by 3-4.5 %. At the same time, fuel consumption increases by about 4-5 times, which depends on the component composition of the fuel. At the same time, the temperature values at the exhaust of the gas turbine change by 26-37 °C. CONCLUSION. The use of synthesis gas as fuel for a gas turbine plant can provide sufficient efficiency in generating electric energy, but its use is rational only in situations of absence or unavailability of traditional gaseous fuels. The development of gasification technologies will increase the efficiency of use and reduce the cost of synthesis gas production. This will allow the introduction of gasification technologies at existing facilities and expand the scope of synthesis gas applications, which will ensure increased interest in this area among potential investors.