Low temperature-steam phase catalytic gasification of biomass hydrolysates

In this study, low temperature-steam phase catalytic gasification experiments of kenaf biomass hydrolysates were performed. Influence of temperature, feed flow rate and biomass feed concentration on biomass gasification were investigated and optimum parameters were obtained by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Gasification experiments were performed at the temperatures; 230-290 °C, at the feed flow rates; 0.3-1.0 ml/dk and at the biomass feed concentrations 1000-4000 ppm C. The yields of gas products were analysed by response surface methodology, the ANOVA analysis were carried out and a model was formed with the conditions that have an effect on the yields. Also, optimizations of yields were carried out. Regarding to these optimizations, when the carbondioxide yield was minimum, the optimum hydrogen yield was estimated as 1.185 mmol/ g catalyst at a temperature of 270.33 °C, at a feed flow rate 0.37 ml/dk and a biomass feed concentration at 4000 ppm C. Investigation of temperature, biomass feed concentration and feed flow rate parameters on gasification performance of kenaf biomass hydrolysate using low temperature-steam phase catalytic gasification system showed that temperature was main factor on hydrogen-rich gas production. Keywords: Kenaf, Hydrogen, Response Surface Methodology, Optimization