Improvement of Syngas Quality in Fixed Bed Gasifier Using CaMg(CO3)2 Catalyst

Abstract

- This paper deals with the experimental investigation of lignite (L) and wood (W) feedstock in a pilot-scale downdraft gasifier. The study aims to check the compatibility of CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 [dolomite (D)] catalyst, 5% (W/W), with lignite and wood (L+D, W+D) feedstock as an additive to enhance the performance of a 10 kWe atmospheric pressure downdraft gasifier system. Fuel consumption and gas flow rate were found to be 10.01-11.6 kg h -1 and 26.76-29.57 kg h -1 , respectively, for lignite and wood feedstock (with and without catalyst). In lignite, CO and H 2 concentrations were increased by 6.81 % and 4.9 %, respectively, whereas in wood, their concentrations were increased by 8.88 % and 5.1 % when the catalyst was employed with feedstock. The producer gas LHV and cold gas efficiency were increased by 6.02% and 5.75% in lignite and 6.97% and 6.61 in wood, whereas specific fuel consumption decreased by 5.92% (in L), 5.17 (in W) with dolomite feedstock. Tar and Total Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations in the producer gas were measured and found to have a noticeable decline with catalytic gasification for both feedstocks. The study concludes that adding dolomite offered better results in terms of higher efficiency and lower tar–PM concentrations