Sustainable ammonia production from steam reforming of biomass-derived glycerol in a heat-integrated intensified process: Modeling and feasibility study. (15th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khademi, Mohammad Hasan; Lotfi-Varnoosfaderani, Mohammad
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 324(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11-15
• Subjects: Sustainable ammonia production -- Glycerol steam reforming -- Methane tri-reforming -- Heat-integrated process -- Synthesis gas; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Currently, ammonia, as a clean and sustainable energy carrier, is intensively synthesized from its elements during the Haber-Bosch technology. This process requires a large amount of energy and emits numerous amounts of carbon dioxide, because hydrogen is dominantly produced from fossil fuels through reforming processes. Biomass-derived glycerol steam reforming is an attractive alternative to traditional reforming for reducing the dependence on hydrocarbon resources and mitigating climate change. This research aims to intensify a heat-integrated process for the co-production of ammonia and syngas from glycerol valorization. In this process, glycerol reforming continuously provides hydrogen needed for ammonia synthesis, and the liquid glycerol is simultaneously vaporized by heat generated from ammonia synthesis. Methane tri-reforming acts as a heat source to drive glycerol reforming; at the same time, the effluent gas produced through glycerol reforming is recycled to the tri-reforming side to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. The role of different parameters on the process performance is identified by a one-dimensional heterogeneous model. Numerical results show that by adjusting the adequate operating conditions, glycerol and methane conversion >95%, nitrogen conversion >25%, glycerol dryness fraction = 1.0, and syngas with hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio above 2.0, suitable for the Fischer-Tropsch and methanol synthesis processes, can be achieved. In addition, this heat-integrated intensified process is promising in terms of energy saving, environmental pollution mitigation, feasibility and effectiveness for industrial-scale application; however, experimental proof-of-concept is required to ensure the safe operability of this process. Highlights: Ammonia production from biomass-derived glycerol as an alternative to fossil fuels. Design of an intensified process to save energy and reduce environmental pollution. Production of syngas suitable for Fischer-Tropsch and methanol synthesis processes.