Progress in studies on catalyzed gasification of biomass

Conference · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6838775

Baker, E G; Mudge, L K; Brown, M D

The Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is conducting an ongoing project, sponsored by the Biomass Energy Technology Division of the U.S. Department of Energy, on the gasification of biomass in the presence of catalysts. The purpose of the project is to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of producing specific gas products throught the catalytic gasification of biomass. This report presents the results of research conducted since the 15th Biomass Thermoconversion Contractors's Meeting and current project status. Laboratory studies have determined the mechanism of carbon deposition on secondary catalysts. Types of catalysts that minimize carbon deposition have been identified. These studies have also provided a fundamental understanding of the effects of both primary and secondary catalysts. This included a review of the state of the art of catalysis as it applies to biomass gasification. The process development unit (PDU) was successfully operated using bagasse from Australia as a feedstock. Both primary and secondary catalysts were used. The economics of producing methanol from bagasse were evaluated and the economics of a wood-to-methanol plant were updated from 1980 to 1983. A bench-scale gasification system (1 to 3 kg/h) is being built to provide the capabilities of the PDU gasifier system at a lower cost. The primary goal of the bench-scale studies to to demonstrate that carbon deposition on catalysts and catalyst attrition can be controlled at acceptable rates in a fluidized bed. 32 references, 3 figures, 8 tables.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 6838775
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-12259; CONF-8405157-2; ON: DE84013259
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
090222* -- Alcohol Fuels-- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass-- (1976-1989)
140504 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
AGRICULTURAL WASTES
ALCOHOLS
BAGASSE
CATALYSTS
ECONOMICS
FLUIDIZED BED
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GASIFICATION
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
METHANOL
METHANOL PLANTS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC WASTES
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT UNITS
PRODUCTION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WASTES