Use of Catalysts in Biomass Gasification

摘要

Methane and methanol synthesis gas can be produced by steam gasification of biomass in the presence of appropriate catalysts. The concept is to use catalysts in a fluidized bed reactor which is heated indirectly. The objective of this study is to determine the technical and economic feasibility of the concept. Technically the concept has been demonstrated on a 50 lb/hr scale. Advantages over conventional processes include: no oxygen plant is needed; little tar is produced so gas and water treatment are simplified; and yields and efficiencies are greater than obtained by conventional gasification. Economic studies (for utility financing of a 2000 ton/day plant with a 15% return on equity) show a methane cost of $6.50/MM Btu when wood feed costs $20 per dry ton. Similar considerations for methanol production show a cost of $.55 per gal. (ERA citation 08:014355)