Syngas Cleaning with Using Metal Catalysts

Gasification of biomass is a one of the several technologies for energy production from biomass. Biomass is a promising renewable source of energy and is in a centre of attention of energy industry not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the EU and in the world. Gasification is a thermo chemical transformation of fuel with access of understoicheiometric amount of oxidizer which produces gas of low heating value. Its main combustible components are hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. Produced gas may be further used in power and heating plants. Besides combustible and neutral components, gas also contains pollutants such as sulphur compounds, chlorine compounds, ash and tar. It is tar which is considered to be the underbelly of gasification as it causes, along with ash, fouling in transport tracks and terminal equipment, and blocks direct application of gas. This dissertation thesis presents design of filter for elimination of tar from the gas generated in fluid gasification equipment. This work is closely related to current research at Energy Institute at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Brno University of Technology. First part deals with theoretical background of this issue. Biomass properties are mentioned in relation to gasification. Types of gasification equipment are described and principle of gasification including chemical reactions is given in detail. Special part is dedicated to pollutants in the gas, especially to production of tar and its properties, which is important for consequent work. Main focus is on possibilities of catalytic cleaning of gas from tar. Principle of tar decomposition is described and types and properties of catalysts are given. Part of the thesis tackles the issue of real operations and loss of efficiency of catalyst due to sulphur compounds, sintering and carbon fouling. Based on experience and analysis in the first part of the thesis, concept of elimination of tar from gas was laid out. In addition to that, method for measurement at Biofluid 100 experimental unit was outlined and filter for testing of industrial catalysts using metal was designed. Series of experiments were further conducted in order to find out efficiency of three opted catalysts for tar decomposition. Results of these experiments are described in detail and assessed in the conclusion of this thesis which also contains outline for economic assessment of method of gas cleaning using catalysts