Abstract
This study intends to explore the potential of a technique for producing hydrogen-rich synthesis gas from waste wood. To achieve this, a catalytic steam gasification technique is specified, where the gas product is used as fuel for molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC). Gasification experiments were conducted in a fluidized bed using four kinds of commercially available nickel-based steam reforming catalysts. Relations between the hydrogen conversion characteristics and details of the operating parameters, including the catalyst, temperature, steam to carbon (S/C), and equivalence (ER) ratios were examined, and the catalytic performance evaluated. The synthesis characteristics of dioxins and H_2S were also examined based on environmental criteria and the MCFC tolerance. Findings included the presence of alkaline metal oxide in the Ni catalyst (G-90LDP) enhancing hydrogen conversion performance and reducing components such as tar and H_2S. Of the catalysts examined, the ability of G-90LDP containing CaO constituent to produce a synthesis gas of the maximum hydrogen concentration level (57 vol.%) and the lowest tar and H_2S concentration levels was discovered, at a temperature of 1023K. Our study thus clearly demonstrated that temperature played a dominant role in hydrogen conversion, dioxin decomposition, and tar cracking. The addition of appropriate amounts of steam and oxygen was found to have positive effects, while excessive amounts had a negative effect on hydrogen conversion.
