Torrefaction and Gasification of Hydrolysis Residue

• When producing ethanol from lignocellulosic material using hydrolysis combined with fermentation, a large amount of residue consisting of mainly lignin is generated. A significant amount of energy is retained in this residue which may be utilised as a measure for the process to become economically viable. One possibility is as fuel in a gasification process for synthesis gas production, improving the fuel yield and the overall plant efficiency. Furthermore, the pre-treatment method torrefaction has been shown to significantly improve biomass fuel characteristics such as energy density, moisture content, feeding and hydrophobic properties, as well as significantly facilitate particle size reduction. Therefore, the process chain from hydrolysis residue to synthesis gas was investigated and demonstrated in the present work through bench-scale experiments in a batch torrefaction reactor and a bubbling fluidised bed gasifier. The results from the torrefaction work confirmed the improved fuel characteristics and the effects of process variables were evaluated by factorial designed experiments. The torrefaction residence time was identified as the most influential variable. The results from reactivity tests and gasification experiments indicate that hydrolysis residue and corresponding torrefied residue are suitable for synthesis gas production, with some improved feedstock handling characteristics for the latter.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Kemiteknik -- Kemiska processer (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Chemical Engineering -- Chemical Process Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

gasification

enzymatic hydrolysis

bio-ethanol

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

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