Solar gasification of biomass: Kinetics of pyrolysis and steam gasification in molten salt

Brandon J. Hathaway, Jane H. Davidson, David B. Kittelson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The use of concentrated solar energy for pyrolysis and gasification of biomass is an efficient means for production of hydrogen rich synthesis gas. Utilizing molten alkali-carbonate salts as a reaction and heat transfer media offers enhanced stability and higher reaction rates to these solar processes. To establish the reaction kinetics, experiments were carried out in an electrically heated molten salt reactor. Cellulose or activated charcoal were pyrolyzed or gasified with steam from 1124 K to 1235 K with and without salt. Arrhenius rate expressions are derived from the data supported by a numerical model of heat and mass transfer. The average rate of the reactions in molten salt, as measured by their reactivity index, is increased by 70% for pyrolysis and by an order of magnitude for steam gasification.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEnergy Systems Analysis, Thermodynamics and Sustainability; NanoEngineering for Energy; Engineering to Address Climate Change
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Pages383-391
Number of pages9
EditionPARTS A AND B
ISBN (Print)9780791844298
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2010 - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Duration: Nov 12 2010Nov 18 2010

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
NumberPARTS A AND B
Volume5

Conference

ConferenceASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2010
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver, BC
Period11/12/1011/18/10

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