Fuel characterization and supercritical water gasification of dewatered poultry sludge for hydrogen production

In this study, to explore supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of dewatered poultry sludge (DPS), the essential fuel characterizations were carried out, and then the new model to estimate the high heating value from its ultimate analysis was developed. The reaction temperature (400ᴼC, 450ᴼC, and 500ᴼC), feed concentration (2%, 6%, and 10%), residence time (10min, 20min, and 30min) as well as different catalysts additives (K2CO3, Na2CO3, KOH, and NaOH) were selected as vital operating parameters. Furthermore, the response surface method (RSM) was employed to design the experimental and investigate the interaction between the selected operating parameters. The responses from SCWG of DPS were terms as produced gas yield compositions, carbon conversion, hydrogen efficiency, and gasification efficiency. The DPS has a high potential of using it as an energy source with acceptable fuel characterizations. From non-catalytic process results, the increase in the reaction temperature plays the main role in H2 production. Regarding the catalytic process, NaOH showed the best results, and loading of it increases the process responses, while low temperature increased the molar fraction of H2.