Catalytic Pyrogasification of Biomass. Evaluation of Modified Nickel Catalysts

• Published in: Industrial & engineering chemistry research Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 67 - 75
• Main Authors: Arauzo, Jesús, Radlein, Desmond, Piskorz, Jan, Scott, Donald S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 01.01.1997
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biomass; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Natural energy; Pyrolysis; Catalyst poisoning; Catalyst regeneration; Nickel Aluminates; Gasification; Biomass; Magnesium; Potassium; Catalyst
• ISSN: 0888-5885; 1520-5045
• DOI: 10.1021/ie950271w

In a previous work, the pyrolytic gasification of biomass (wood) using a stoichiometric nickel aluminate catalyst in a fluidized-bed reactor gave near-equilibrium yields of products above 650 °C, with 85−90% gas yields and no detectable tar production. Additional tests are reported for a modified nickel−magnesium aluminate stoichiometric catalyst, to give greater physical strength, and for the addition of potassium, as a promoter. The addition of Mg in the catalyst crystal lattice did improve resistance to attrition but resulted in a minor loss in gasification activity and increased coke production. Addition of potassium had little effect. Catalyst deactivation by secondary carbon deposits was demonstrated, and regeneration of the Mg-containing catalysts by burn-off appears to be feasible. The deactivation process was experimentally simulated. A conceptual process for catalytic pyrogasification of biomass was modeled.