Maximizing the concentrations of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane produced from the pyrolysis of a MixAlco process derived sludge

Teiseh, EA; Capareda, S

HERO ID

1824773

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2013

HERO ID 1824773
In Press No
Year 2013
Title Maximizing the concentrations of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane produced from the pyrolysis of a MixAlco process derived sludge
Authors Teiseh, EA; Capareda, S
Journal Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis
Volume 102
Issue Elsevier
Page Numbers 76-82
Abstract The MixAlco process converts heterogeneous biomass feedstocks into gasoline, JP-8 and diesel via biochemical and chemical pathways, generating sludge in the effluent stream. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the generated sludge can be further converted into useful products such as hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, all produced in their maximum possible concentrations. Experiments were performed in a non-catalytic environment at atmospheric pressure conditions, studying synthesis gas and methane concentrations for temperatures in the range of 630/903-770/1043 degrees C/K and pretreated sludge feed rates in the range of 290-374 g/min. With an auger driven reactor system and the statistical response surface method, the highest possible synthesis gas composition was 43.9 +/- 3.36 vol% H-2/33.3 +/- 3.29 vol% CO at 740/1013 degrees C/K. The methane concentration was 20.3 +/- 2.99 vol%. The generated empirical models for both hydrogen and methane concentrations were significant but that for the carbon monoxide concentration behavior was not. As an input factor, temperature was significant but sludge feed rate was not. Mass and energy balances revealed process efficiency decreased with increase in temperature although the process could be self-sustaining even at the lowest process efficiency. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Doi 10.1016/j.jaap.2013.03.013
Wosid WOS:000321158300010
Url https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0165237013000648
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000321158300010
Is Public Yes
Keyword MixAlco process; Pyrolysis; Maximum concentrations; Response surface method; Energy and mass balances; Efficiency