Through the use of a metal catalyst, biomass gasification can be accomplished with high levels of carbon conversion to gas at relatively low temperature. In the pressurized-water environment (21 MPa) at sub-critical temperature (623K) near-total conversion of the organic structure of biomass to gases has been accomplished in the presence of a ruthenium metal catalyst. The process is strictly a steam reforming reaction as there is no added oxidizer or reagent other than water. In addition, the gas produced is a medium-heating-value gas due to the synthesis of high-levels of methane, as dictated by thermodynamic equilibrium. This type of processing has been accomplished at the bench-scale in continuous-flow reactor systems.
Revised: October 18, 2005 |
Published: October 1, 2005
Citation
Matsumura Y., T. Minowa, B. Potic, S.R. Kersten, W. Prins, W.P. van Swaaij, and B. van de Beld, et al. 2005.Biomass Gasification in Near- and Super-critical Water: Status and Prospectus.Biomass & Bioenergy 29, no. 4:269-292.PNNL-SA-38393.doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2005.04.006