Survey of Current Biomass Gasification Processes for Methanol Production

摘要

This report reviews the status of several biomass gasification processes capable of producing a synthesis gas for conversion to methanol. The overall process operations are presented but attention focuses on the gasifier itself. The main features of the various types are described, with emphasis on the principal technical problems areas that have been identified. In general, these problems relate to heat transfer, material, catalyst, and mechanical difficulties that have been encountered during development. Satisfactory solutions must be demonstrated on advanced, high performance gasifiers operated in large scale pilot facilities. Beyond these technical hurdles remains the obstacle of proving economical competitiveness with conventional methanol sources. 20 references, 10 figures, 7 tables. (ERA citation 09:005833)