Biomass Volatile Gasification Using Dolomite and Dolomite-Ni/Al2O3 Combinations

Abstract

Biomass volatile decomposition and gasification were discussed in a fixed reaction system using calcined dolomite and a combination of  dolomite and Ni/Al2O3. Biomass volatiles converted effectively under calcined dolomite at catalytic temperatures between 600-800°C, and  H2 was obtained as the dominant product gas. The higher temperature of dolomite resulted in more volatile gasification and less carbon  distribution in undecomposed tar and coke deposits. The combined use of dolomite and Ni/Al2O3 catalyst resulted in efficient tar conversion  at relatively low temperatures, e.g., at 650°C, carbon distribution in the undecomposed tar was obtained as low as 0.8%. Furthermore, by placing dolomite upstream of the nickel catalyst, more biomass volatiles were converted into gases, and coke deposition on the catalysts was suppressed notably. Consequently, long-term catalyst stability was achieved with the combined use of these two catalysts.