Biomass gasification process with the tar removal technologies utilizing bio-oil scrubber and char bed. (15th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nakamura, Shunsuke; Kitano, Shigeru; Yoshikawa, Kunio
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 170(2016)
• Page Start: 186
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2016-05-15
• Subjects: Biomass gasification -- Tar removal -- Secondary methods -- Bio-oil scrubber -- Char bed filter; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.02.113
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: Primary tar removal methods were developed for biomass gasification. Utilization of byproducts for tar removal was investigated. The bio-oil scrubber and the char bed filter are effective for low-cost tar removal. 98% of tar was eliminated by the combination of some secondary methods. Abstract: We develop tar removal technologies by using byproducts (bio-oil and char) in order to achieve low-cost and highly effective tar removal using only secondary removal methods in a pilot-scale gasification facility. The tar removal performance of a 100-L bio-oil scrubber and a 13-kg char filter is investigated with an up-draft gasifier. The tar removal rate of the bio-oil scrubber at 40, 50, and 60 °C is measured; the highest removal rate is 64.5% at 50 °C. Furthermore, even though the tar removal performance of water/oily scrubber generally degrades, that of the bio-oil scrubber does not decrease even after use for 22.5 h. The char can also be used as a tar adsorbent, like activated carbon, because of its high porosity. The char bed filter removes 81.5% of the tar from the producer gas at the beginning of the operation. The entire tar removal system, including the bio-oil scrubber and the char bed filter, exhibits a 98% tar removal rate.