Gasification Kinetics of Coal and Biomass Estefania Alba Merced Ramirez Joshua Felton

Outline 1.Objective 2.Introduction/Background 3.Methodology 4.Results 5.Conclusion

Objective 1.The goal of this research project is to study the effect of blending biomass with coal on the gasification reactivity. Gasification of coal and biomass can increase efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Introduction World Primary Energy Production by Source 1990, (Quadrillion Btu)

Background BiomassCoal  ADVANTAGES Enormous world stock High energy density Relatively low cost No seasonal limitations  DRAWBACKS Environmentally harmful compounds (S, N,CO 2 ) Low H/C ratio Non renewable source  ADVANTAGES Economic way to dispose waste Content less pollutants Carbon neutral High H 2 content  DRAWBACKS Low energy density Seasonal limitation Poor reliability in supply High moisture content

Background Gasification is an endothermic reaction between a carbonaceous fuel and a gas in a reactor where the oxygen supply is limited (partial oxidation). Combustion is an exothermic reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer. Fuel + oxygen (limited) + Steam/CO 2 →hydrogen + carbon monoxide + (some water and carbon dioxide + light hydrocarbons ) Fuel+ oxygen →heat + water+ carbon dioxide

Methodology Biomass has a fibrous structure which makes it hard to grind Hammer mill Coal is easier to grind due to Coalification Ball mill or Bar/rod mill Coal: Bituminous coal (Pittsburgh #8) Milled to: < 140 mesh(<105 μm) Biomass: Switchgrass Milled to: mesh ( μm) mesh ( μm) < 200 mesh (< 74 μm)

Methodology Proximate analysis determines the percentage composition of moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash

Methodology Ultimate analysis determines the elemental composition

Methodology Drop Tube Furnace Feeder Collection Probe Furnace

Methodology  Sample Biomass: meshCoal: < 140 mesh  Blend ratio (Energy basis)  Method 1.Moisture 107 ℃ in N 2 (Flow rate100 ml/min) 2.Volatile 950 ℃ in N 2 (Flow rate100 ml/min) 3.Char 950 ℃ in CO 2 (Flow rate100 ml/min) The Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer is used to determine the rate of reaction

Results Calorific Value Btu/lbkJ/kg Switchgrass, < Switchgrass, 120x Switchgrass, 60x Coal < Proximate Analysis Moist %Vol %FC %Ash % Switchgrass, < Switchgrass, 120x Switchgrass, 60x Coal < Ultimate analysis dry ash free basis C %H%N %S %O % Switchgrass, < Switchgrass, 120x Switchgrass, 60x Coal <

Results

Conclusion A blend of 60% biomass and 40% coal: reacts faster than other blends Use of biomass in thermochemical processes can increase efficiency reduce CO2 emission reduce emission of other environmentally harmful compounds

Acknowledgements Eberly College of Science Daniel J. Larson College of Earth and Mineral Sciences William E. Easterling Dr. Sarma Pisupati Aime Hilaire Tchapda Brandon Emig Jody Markley Derek James UBMS Staff