Influence of in-bed catalysis by ash-coated olivine on tar formation in steam gasification of biomass
Journal article, 2018

The use of catalytic bed materials has become a state-of-the-art solution to control the concentration of tar in fluidized bed biomass steam gasifiers. Ash-coated olivine is commonly applied as bed material, owing to its relatively high catalytic activity towards tar species. However, the mechanisms and conversion pathways influenced by the ash-coated olivine when applied as an in-bed catalyst are still not well understood. The present work aims at proving that the ash-layered olivine prevents the formation of biomass-derived tar at an early stage of their formation. Tests with olivine at different stages of activation and at different temperatures are carried out in the Chalmers 2-4MWth DFB gasifier. Detailed characterization of the tar and light hydrocarbon fractions are presented and discussed in relation to the sources of aromatic species. It is concluded that the ash-coated olivine prevents the formation of aromatic tar species by promoting the steam reforming of early tar precursors. Gas-phase interactions of the early tar precursors and bed material contribute to the tar reduction observed. The results indicate that olivine interferes the cyclization routes involving C2H2 and C3 hydrocarbons.

cracking

tar

biomass

olivine

reforming

gasification

catalysis

reaction pathways

Author

Teresa Berdugo Vilches

Chalmers, Space, Earth and Environment, Energy Technology

Martin Seemann

Chalmers, Space, Earth and Environment, Energy Technology

Henrik Thunman

Chalmers, Space, Earth and Environment, Energy Technology

Energy & Fuels

0887-0624 (ISSN) 1520-5029 (eISSN)

Vol. 32 9 9592-9604

Subject Categories

Energy Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Areas of Advance

Energy

Infrastructure

Chalmers Power Central

DOI

10.1021/acs.energyfuels.8b02153

More information

Latest update

10/30/2019