On-line GC/MS monitoring of biomass conversion processes
- Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
On-line analysis techniques provide the only direct route towards eventual development of fully automated process control and optimization methods involving a real-time feedback approach. In our laboratory a range of analytical systems has been developed enabling successful coupling of micro- and bench-scale reactors with gas phase analyzers such as gas chromatographs and benchtop infrared or mass spectrometers. Combination of several strategies involving construction of transfer and pressure reduction lines (for high pressure reactors) coupled with mixing (dilution) chambers attached to an automated pulsed sampling device permits repetitive introduction of analytes onto short capillary GC columns for on-line GC/MS/(IR) analysis of volatile products and intermediates evolving during biomass conversion processes. Fast temperature programming rates (up to 25{degrees}C/s) together with high linear carrier gas velocities were used to achieve GC preseparation suitable for spectral interpretations of detected compounds and allow for rapid sampling of reactor contents or effluents at intervals of a few seconds to a few minutes. Examples of the application of such analytical systems for monitoring pyrolytic processes of lignocellulosic materials under diverse conditions as well as catalytic upgrading processes of wood pyrolysis vapors will be discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 126167
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950402--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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