A model of wood flash pyrolysis in fluidized bed reactor

With a view of exploiting renewable biomass energy as a highly efficient and clean energy, liquid fuel from biomass pyrolysis, called bio-oil, is expected to play a major role in future energy supply. At present, fluidized bed technology appears to have maximum potential in producing high-quality bio-oil. A model of wood pyrolysis in a fluidized bed reactor has been developed. The effect of main operation parameters on wood pyrolysis product distribution was well simulated. The model shows that reaction temperature plays a major important role in wood pyrolysis. And a good agreement between experimental and theoretical results was obtained. It was shown that particles less than 500 μm could achieve a high heating-up rate to meet flash pyrolysis demand.     

Main routes for the thermo-conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals. Part 2: Gasification systems

Gasification as a thermo-chemical process is defined and limited to combustion and pyrolysis. The gasification of biomass is a thermal treatment, which results in a high production of gaseous products and small quantities of char and ash. The solid phase usually presents a carbon content higher than 76%, which makes it possible to use it directly for industrial purposes. The gaseous products can be burned to generate heat or electricity, or they can potentially be used in the synthesis of liquid transportation fuels, H₂, or chemicals. On the other hand, the liquid phase can be used as fuel in boilers, gas turbines or diesel engines, both for heat or electric power generation. However, the main purpose of biomass gasification is the production of low- or medium heating value gas which can be used as fuel gas in an internal combustion engine for power production. In addition to limiting applications and often compounding environmental problems, these technologies are an inefficient source of usable energy.     

Characterization of bio-oils from the fast pyrolysis of white oak and sweetgum

Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into bio-oil through fast pyrolysis process is considered one of the promising routes to supplement conventional fossil oil. Future bio-refineries require production large amounts of bio-oil from several biomass types. Characterization of the produced bio-oils is important to determine their suitability as bio-refinery feedstock. In this study, bio-oils were produced from white oak and sweetgum woods in an auger reactor at 450°C. The yields of char, liquid, and gas were calculated. The physical characterization of bio-oils was performed based on the investigation of different properties, such as pH, density, viscosity, water content, acid value, and molecular weight distribution of bio-oil components. The chemical compositions of the bio-oils were also investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infra-red analyses. The physicochemical properties of the produced bio-oils were comparable to those obtained from similar woody biomass and the oils were suitable for fuel production.     

Bio-oil production from cotton stalk

Cotton stalk was fast pyrolyzed at temperatures between 480 °C and 530 °C in a fluidized bed, and the main product of bio-oil is obtained. The experimental result shows that the highest bio-oil yield of 55 wt% was obtained at 510 °C for cotton stalk. The chemical composition of the bio-oil acquired was analyzed by GC–MS, and its heat value, stability, miscibility and corrosion characteristics were determined. These results showed that the bio-oil obtained can be directly used as a fuel oil for combustion in a boiler or a furnace without any upgrading. Alternatively, the fuel can be refined to be used by vehicles. Furthermore, the energy performance of the pyrolysis process was analyzed. In the pyrolysis system used in our experiment, some improvements to former pyrolysis systems are done. Two screw feeders were used to prevent jamming the feeding system, and the condenser is equipped with some nozzles and a heat exchanger to cool quickly the cleaned hot gas into bio-oil.     

Biomass-based hydrogen production: A review and analysis

In this study, various processes for conversion of biomass into hydrogen gas are comprehensively reviewed in terms of two main groups, namely (i) thermo-chemical processes (pyrolysis, conventional gasification, supercritical water gasification (SCWG)), and (ii) biological conversions (fermentative hydrogen production, photosynthesis, biological water gas shift reactions (BWGS)). Biomass-based hydrogen production systems are discussed in terms of their energetic and exergetic aspects. Literature studies and potential methods are then summarized for comparison purposes. In addition, a biomass gasification process via oxygen and steam in a downdraft gasifier is exergetically studied for performance assessment as a case study. The operating conditions and strategies are really important for better performance of the system for hydrogen production. A distinct range of temperatures and pressures is used, such as that the temperatures may vary from 480 to 1400 °C, while the pressures are in the range of 0.1–50 MPa in various thermo-chemical processes reviewed. For the operating conditions considered the data for steam biomass ratio (SBR) and equivalence ratio (ER) range from 0.6 to 10 and 0.1 to 0.4, respectively. In the study considered, steam is used as the gasifying agent with a product gas heating value of about 10–15 MJ/Nm³, compared to an air gasification of biomass process with 3–6 MJ/Nm³. The exergy efficiency value for the case study system is calculated to be 56.8%, while irreversibility and improvement potential rates are found to be 670.43 and 288.28 kW, respectively. Also, exergetic fuel and product rates of the downdraft gasifier are calculated as 1572.08 and 901.64 kW, while fuel depletion and productivity lack ratios are 43% and 74.3%, respectively.     

基于热化学平衡机理的生物质气化过程模型

生物质气化是生物质能利用的有效方式之一,通过分析气化过程热化学反应机理,基于气化过程的物料平衡、热量平衡和热化学反应平衡关系,建立了一种生物质气化过程的热化学平衡模型.由该模型模拟计算了锯屑、棉花秸和木粉三种生物质料在以空气为气化剂,不同输入参数(物料湿度和气化剂当量比)下的气化气组分及气体产率,考察了当模型输入参数分别变化时气化气组分、气体产率的变化情况,结果表明该模型输出值与文献值的变化趋势基本相符,模拟具有较好的预测效果.     

An overview of empty fruit bunch from oil palm as feedstock for bio-oil production

Empty fruit bunch (EFB) from oil palm is one of the potential biomass to produce biofuels like bio-oil due to its abundant supply and favorable physicochemical characteristics. Confirming the assertion, this paper presents an overview of EFB as a feedstock for bio-oil production. The fundamental characteristics of EFB in terms of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and chemical composition, as well as the recent advances in EFB conversion processes for bio-oil production like pyrolysis and solvolysis are outlined and discussed. A comparison of properties in terms of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and fuel properties between the bio-oil from EFB and petroleum fuel oil is included. The major challenges and future prospects towards the utilization of EFB as a useful resource for bio-oil production are also addressed.     

Sustainable rural bioenergy production for developing countries

Bioenergy is a renewable energy source made from biomass, which are organic materials such as plants and animals. Until enough biomass resources to ensure energy demand in the world is available, the bioenergy obtained from biomass, there may be used for heat, electrical and transport. Main biomass thermo-chemical conversion technologies are pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction. Biomass can be burned to produce heat and electricity, changed to gas-like fuels such as methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, or changed to a liquid fuel. Modern biomass can be used for the generation of electricity and heat using modern conversion technologies. Technological advances have made modern biomass cogeneration plants cleaner, more efficient, and, under certain conditions, cost-effective as compared to public utility grids and fossil-fuel boilers or generators. Biomass can be converted to liquid biofuels: bioethanol and biodiesel. Two biofuels are becoming more and more attractive and competitive as complementary to or substitutions for petroleum basic products, due to their economic and environmental benefits.     

我国生物质能源现代化应用前景展望(三)——生物质能源转化技术经济评估

秸秆、动植物油脂、微藻等生物质原料可以生产液体运输燃料,生物燃料的化学成分包括醇、酯、烃三类。燃料乙醇主要替代汽油,受到各国重视,其中纤维素乙醇技术发展较快。脂肪酸甲酯是第一代生物柴油的主要成分,价格主要受油脂原料价格的影响,由于和柴油相容性差,低温流动性不好,将逐渐被加氢生产的第二代生物柴油取代。相比醇、酯等含氧燃料,烃类生物燃料在使用性能上有很多优势。有多条技术路线可以生产烃类燃料,其中油脂加氢制喷气燃料已接近商业应用,热解油加氢可将木质生物质原料中的"木质素"组分转化为生物油,大型快速热解工厂可以和热电联产装置组成联合系统,从而提高工厂综合热效率,降低生物燃料生产成本。因此,快速热解生产汽柴油将成为主要的生物燃料生产路线。生物质与煤共气化技术通过提高气化温度,不仅可以提高生物质气化效率,减少焦油的生成,还可以解决生物质供给的季节性问题,为生物质的高效利用提供了一条新的技术途径。微藻高压液化生产柴油是最具发展潜力的第三代生物燃料技术,我国需要加强微藻养殖及加工技术攻关。     

Syngas from sugarcane pyrolysis: An experimental study for fuel cell applications

The use of biomass for the production of electrical energy is a promising technological solution for those countries where there are problems with the disposal of agricultural waste and/or the production of low-cost energy. The gasification and/or pyrolysis of the biomass produces a gas rich in hydrogen that can be used in a fuel cell system to produce electrical energy with reduced environmental impact and significant energy recovery.In this work, a study of the pyrolysis of Brazilian sugarcane bagasse was carried out. The experimental process consisted of the pyrolysis of the biomass material in a batch pyrolysis reactor. In some runs the biomass was dry, while in others it was pre-treated by the addition of water. It was noted that the water added to the biomass before the pyrolysis process resulted in a decrease in the quantity of steam added to the fuel cell feeding gas, necessary to avoid carbon deposition, and in an increase in cell power, but, at the same time, caused a decrease in the quantity of syngas produced.Then, the composition of the gas obtained from the experimental pyrolysis of the sugarcane was inserted in a simulation tool of a molten carbonate fuel cell system in order to estimate the feasibility of the entire process in terms of operating conditions and electrical performance.The present study indicates that the syngas obtained from the sugarcane biomass (about 40%) can be converted into electricity using a fuel cell system with a high efficiency.     

Optimum conditions for maximising pyrolysis liquids of oil palm empty fruit bunches

As production of palm oil is expanding, a more efficient use of oil palm biomass to obtain more energy from oil palm plantations is investigated. The work was carried out on a fluidised bed bench scale fast pyrolysis unit, with the objective of determining the important conditions and key variables which are required to maximise the liquid yield and its quality. The investigation on the impact of reactor temperature, varying residence time by changing the nitrogen flow rate and combined impact of ash content and particle size on the product yields is presented. The properties of the liquid product were analysed and compared with wood derived bio-oil and petroleum fuels. It was found that in all cases the liquid product separated into two phases presenting difficulties for fuel applications, which are critically discussed. Potential solutions are also proposed which include upgrading of the liquid for fuel applications and other useful applications.     

Techno-economic performance analysis of bio-oil based Fischer-Tropsch and CHP synthesis platform

The techno-economic potential of the UK poplar wood and imported oil palm empty fruit bunch derived bio-oil integrated gasification and Fischer-Tropsch (BOIG-FT) systems for the generation of transportation fuels and combined heat and power (CHP) was investigated. The bio-oil was represented in terms of main chemical constituents, i.e. acetic acid, acetol and guaiacol. The compositional model of bio-oil was validated based on its performance through a gasification process. Given the availability of large scale gasification and FT technologies and logistic constraints in transporting biomass in large quantities, distributed bio-oil generations using biomass pyrolysis and centralised bio-oil processing in BOIG-FT system are technically more feasible. Heat integration heuristics and composite curve analysis were employed for once-through and full conversion configurations, and for a range of economies of scale, 1 MW, 675 MW and 1350 MW LHV of bio-oil. The economic competitiveness increases with increasing scale. A cost of production of FT liquids of 78.7 Euro/MWh was obtained based on 80.12 Euro/MWh of electricity, 75 Euro/t of bio-oil and 116.3 million Euro/y of annualised capital cost.     

Comparing biological and thermochemical processing of sugarcane bagasse: An energy balance perspective

The technical performance of lignocellulosic enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation versus pyrolysis processes for sugarcane bagasse was evaluated, based on currently available technology. Process models were developed for bioethanol production from sugarcane bagasse using three different pretreatment methods, i.e. dilute acid, liquid hot water and steam explosion, at various solid concentrations. Two pyrolysis processes, namely fast pyrolysis and vacuum pyrolysis, were considered as alternatives to biological processing for the production of biofuels from sugarcane bagasse. For bioethanol production, a minimum of 30% solids in the pretreatment reactor was required to render the process energy self-sufficient, which led to a total process energy demand equivalent to roughly 40% of the feedstock higher heating value. Both vacuum pyrolysis and fast pyrolysis could be operated as energy self-sufficient if 45% of the produced char from fast pyrolysis is used to fuel the process. No char energy is required to fuel the vacuum pyrolysis process due to lower process energy demands (17% compared to 28% of the feedstock higher heating value). The process models indicated that effective process heat integration can result in a 10-15% increase in all process energy efficiencies. Process thermal efficiencies between 52 and 56% were obtained for bioethanol production at pretreatment solids at 30% and 50%, respectively, while the efficiencies were 70% for both pyrolysis processes. The liquid fuel energy efficiency of the best bioethanol process is 41%, while that of crude bio-oil production before upgrading is 67% and 56% via fast and vacuum pyrolysis, respectively. Efficiencies for pyrolysis processes are expected to decrease by up to 15% should upgrade to a transportation fuel of equivalent quality to bioethanol be taken into consideration.     

生物质气化技术面临的挑战及技术选择

生物质气化可实现低品位生物质能的深层次利用,不同地区、不同行业有不同的能源需求和产业结构,应合理选择生物质气化技术。固定床气化技术针对的是中小规模应用,该技术存在的问题包括焦油含量高、规模小、机械化和自动化程度较低、发电效率低等。流化床气化技术针对的是中等及以上规模应用,目前需要解决的问题是热效率低,发电效率低,需要开发高气化效率和无焦油的燃气型气化炉、低热值燃气轮机、高效燃气净化系统,以便采用BIGCC技术。沼气技术是一项生物质综合高效清洁利用的多联产工艺,目前急需开发高效高浓度厌氧消化的沼气发酵工艺和配套的集成设备,培育和筛选高效沼气发酵微生物菌群,简化沼气净化工序,解决沼液、沼渣的利用难题等。生物质快速热解技术是一种高温处理过程,其最大的优点是产物生物油易于储存运输,不存在产品规模和消费的地域限制问题。从工艺特点、经济效益和规模化生产来看,沼气技术更适合处理高含水的养殖业粪便,快速热解技术更适合农作物秸秆的规模化转化,燃气型气化技术更适合社区生活垃圾和农林产品加工废弃物的处理。     

Biorefineries: Current activities and future developments

This paper reviews the current refuel valorization facilities as well as the future importance of biorefineries. A biorefinery is a facility that integrates biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, and chemicals from biomass. Biorefineries combine the necessary technologies of the biorenewable raw materials with those of chemical intermediates and final products. Char production by pyrolysis, bio-oil production by pyrolysis, gaseous fuels from biomass, Fischer–Tropsch liquids from biomass, hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass, supercritical liquefaction, and biochemical processes of biomass are studied and concluded in this review. Upgraded bio-oil from biomass pyrolysis can be used in vehicle engines as fuel.     

A review on operating parameters for optimum liquid oil yield in biomass pyrolysis

Pyrolysis is one of the potential routes to harness energy and useful chemicals from biomass. The major objective of biomass pyrolysis is to produce liquid fuel, which is easier to transport, store and can be an alternative to energy source. The yield and composition of pyrolysis oil depend upon biomass feedstock and operating parameters. It is often necessary to explore about the effect of variables on response yield and instinct about their optimization. This study reviews operating variables from existing literature on biomass pyrolysis. The major operating variables include final pyrolysis temperature, inert gas sweeping, residence times, rate of biomass heating, mineral matter, size of biomass particle and moisture contents of biomass. The scope of this paper is to review the influence of operating parameters on production of pyrolysis oil.     

生物质热解油气化制备合成气的研究

生物油是将生物质快速热解所得到的液体产物.国外开展了较多的有关生物油的应用与深度加工研究,其中尤为引起国外学者的重视是利用生物油气化制备合成气技术,国外对生物油气化制备合成气的研究主要包括实验室规模、中试研究以及技术经济可行性分析等.所用的气化介质包括空气、氧气、CO、氢气、水蒸气.对国外生物油气化的典型研究结果进行了分析,为我国科研工作者提供有益的参考.     

Well-to-Wheels analysis of hydrogen production from bio-oil reforming for use in internal combustion engines

The environmental profile of hydrogen depends greatly on the nature of the feedstock and the production process. In this Well-to-Wheels (WTW) study, the environmental impacts of hydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass via pyrolysis and subsequent steam reforming of bio-oil were evaluated and compared to the conventional production of hydrogen from natural gas steam reforming. Hydrogen was assumed to be used as transportation fuel in an internal combustion engine vehicle. Two scenarios for the provision of lignocellulosic biomass were considered: wood waste and dedicated willow cultivation. The WTW analysis showed that the production of bio-hydrogen consumes less fossil energy in the total lifecycle, mainly due to the renewable nature of the fuel that results in zero energy consumption in the combustion step. The total (fossil and renewable) energy demand is however higher compared to fossil hydrogen, due to the higher process energy demands and methanol used to stabilize bio-oil. Improvements could occur if these are sourced from renewable energy sources. The overall benefit of using a CO₂ neutral renewable feedstock for the production of hydrogen is unquestionable. In terms of global warming, production of hydrogen from biomass through pyrolysis and reforming results in major GHG emissions, ranging from 40% to 50%, depending on the biomass source. The use of cultivated biomass aggravates the GHG emissions balance, mainly due to the N₂O emissions at the cultivation step.     

Recent progress in thermochemical techniques to produce hydrogen gas from biomass: A state of the art review

The present work comprehensively covers the literature that describes the thermochemical techniques of hydrogen production from biomass. This survey highlights the current approaches, relevant methods, technologies and resources adopted for high yield hydrogen production. Prominent thermochemical methods i.e. pyrolysis, gasification, supercritical water gasification, hydrothermal upgrading followed by steam gasification, bio-oil reforming, and pyrolysis inline reforming have been discussed thoroughly in view of the current research trend and latest emerging technologies. Influences of important factors and parameters on hydrogen yield, such as biomass type, temperature, steam to biomass ratio, retention time, biomass particle size, heating rate, etc. have also been extensively studied. Catalyst is a vital integrant that has received enough attention due to its encouraging influence on hydrogen production. Literature confirms that hydrogen obtained from biomass has high-energy efficiency and potential to reduce greenhouse gases hence, it deserves versatile applications in the coming future. The study also reveals that hydrogen production through steam reforming, pyrolysis, and in-line reforming deliver a considerable amount of hydrogen from biomass with higher process efficiency. It has been identified that higher temperature, suitable steam to biomass ratio and catalyst type favor useful hydrogen yield. Nevertheless, hydrogen is not readily available in the sufficient amount and production cost is still high. Tar generation during thermochemical processing of biomass is also a concern and requires consistent efforts to minimize it.     

Solar thermochemical gasification of wood biomass for syngas production in a high-temperature continuously-fed tubular reactor

Biomass gasification is an attractive process to produce high-value syngas. Utilization of concentrated solar energy as the heat source for driving reactions increases the energy conversion efficiency, saves biomass resource, and eliminates the needs for gas cleaning and separation. A high-temperature tubular solar reactor combining drop tube and packed bed concepts was used for continuous solar-driven gasification of biomass. This 1 kW reactor was experimentally tested with biomass feeding under real solar irradiation conditions at the focus of a 2 m-diameter parabolic solar concentrator. Experiments were conducted at temperatures ranging from 1000 °C to 1400 °C using wood composed of a mix of pine and spruce (bark included) as biomass feedstock. This biomass was used under its non-altered pristine form but also dried or torrefied. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of syngas production in this reactor concept and to prove the reliability of continuous biomass gasification processing using solar energy. The study first consisted of a parametric study of the gasification conditions to obtain an optimal gas yield. The influence of temperature, oxidizing agent (H₂O or CO₂) or type of biomass feedstock on the product gas composition was investigated. The study then focused on solar gasification during continuous biomass particle injection for demonstrating the feasibility of a continuous process. Regarding the energy conversion efficiency of the lab scale reactor, energy upgrade factor of 1.21 and solar-to-fuel thermochemical efficiency up to 28% were achieved using wood heated up to 1400 °C.