Steam gasification of wood in the presence of catalysts

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:5536460

Mitchell, D H; Mudge, L K; Baker, E G

Catalytic steam gasification of wood, including sawdust, chipped forest slash, and mill shavings, is being investigated. Results of laboratory, process development unit (PDU), and feasibility studies illustrate attractive processes for conversion of wood to methanol and a substitute natural gas (SNG). Recent laboratory studies developed a long-lived alloy catalyst for generation of a methanol synthesis gas by steam gasification of wood. Modification of the PDU for operation at 10 atm (150 psia) is nearly complete. The modified PDU will be operated at the elevated pressure to confirm yields and design parameters used in process feasibility studies. Feasibility studies were completed on wood-to-methane (SNG) and wood-to-methanol plants with capacities of 2000 and 200 oven dried tons (1800 and 180 metric t) per day using catalytic gasification. The results showed that generation of methanol on the large scale is economically viable today while SNG generation is competitive with future prices.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 5536460
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-9954; CONF-8110115-4; ON: DE82005919
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ALKANES
CATALYSTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLUIDS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GASES
GASIFICATION
HYDROCARBONS
METHANE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT UNITS
SOLID WASTES
SYNTHESIS GAS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WASTES
WOOD
WOOD WASTES