Steam reforming of biomass gasification gas for hydrogen production: From thermodynamic analysis to experimental validation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Brito, J (Author) Other; Pinto, F (Author) Other; Alexandre Ferreira (Author) FEUP; Soria, M. A. (Author) FEUP; Luis Madeira (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Fuel Processing Technology

Vol. 250

ISSN: 0378-3820

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 7 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-HR7

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2023.107859

Abstract (EN): Biomass gasification produces syngas composed mainly of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, water, and higher hydrocarbons, till C4, mainly ethane. The hydrocarbon content can be upgraded into richer hydrogen streams through the steam reforming reaction. This study assessed the steam reforming process at the thermodynamic equilibrium of five streams, with different compositions, from the gasification of three different biomass sources (Lignin, Miscanthus, and Eucalyptus). The simulations were performed on Aspen Plus V12 software using the Gibbs energy minimization method. The influence of the operating conditions on the hydrogen yield was assessed: temperature in the range of 200 to 1100 degrees C, pressures of 1 to 20 bar, and steam-to-carbon (S/C) molar ratios from 0 (only dry reforming) to 10. It was observed that operating conditions of 725 to 850 degrees C, 1 bar, and an S/C ratio of 3 enhanced the streams' hydrogen content and led to nearly complete hydrocarbon conversion (>99%). Regarding hydrogen purity, the stream obtained from the gasification of Lignin and followed by a conditioning phase (stream 5) has the highest hydrogen purity, 52.7%, and an hydrogen yield of 48.7%. In contrast, the stream obtained from the gasification of Lignin without any conditioning (stream 1) led to the greatest increase in hydrogen purity, from 19% to 51.2% and a hydrogen yield of 61.8%. Concerning coke formation, it can be mitigated for S/C molar ratios and temperatures >2 and 700 degrees C, respectively. Experimental tests with stream 1 were carried out, which show a similar trend to the simulation results, particularly at high temperatures (700-800 degrees C).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12