Boreskov Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of Russian ...

OP-V-20BIOMASS GASIFICATION IN A CATALYTIC FLUIDIZED REACTORWITH BEDS OF DIFFERENT MATERIALSF. Miccio 1 , B. Piriou 1,2 , G. Ruoppolo 1 , R.Chirone 11 Istituto di Ricerche sulla Combustione – CNR, P. le Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy2 Università Federico II – Dip. Ing. Chimica, P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy.Fax: +0039 0815931567, Tel: +0039 0815931567, E-mail: ruoppolo@irc.cnr.itThe shortness of oil resources combined with the alarming emission level of pollutantsdrive the research to find cleaner fuels, from production to consumption. In this frameworkbiomass represents an abundantly available, renewable energy resource and has a CO 2 -neutral impact on the environment [1]. Biomass gasification is one of the best way to optimisethe extraction of energy from biomass in terms of conversion-efficiency. In particular,production of hydrogen-rich syngas is very attractive, [2] provided that undesired species coproducedduring the gasification process are completely converted. More specificallyelimination of the condensable organic compounds, called TARs, which can cause theplugging in the colder parts of the plant, is one of the major issues not resolved yet. CatalyticTAR decomposition is considered as a technology with the highest potential to contribute tothe solution of this problem [3]. Two catalytic approaches exist: hot gas cleaning after thegasifier (secondary methods) and treatment inside the gasifier (primary methods) [4]. Thesecondary method includes tar cracking, and mechanical separation using cyclones, filters orscrubbers. Although these methods have proven to be effective, the primary methods aregaining more attention since they are less complex and expensive. In this framework thefluidized bed technology assisted by catalysis is very promising, since it favors a fast heatingrate of the biomass fuel and provides a good contact between the biomass and catalyst, bothcritical parameters for increasing the gas yield and cleanness. In addition the catalyst has to besuitable not only for its activity butalso with reference to its mechanicalproperties and of course to itsFigure 1. Experimental apparatus used for catalyticgasification tests.availability and price.In this work the efficiency of inbedcatalysts of different types in tarconversion has been investigated in apilot catalytic fluidized bed gasifier.The scheme of the plant is reported in206