H2-rich syngas production by fluidized bed gasification of biomass and plastic fuel

This paper reports the results of gasification tests using a catalytic fluidized bed gasifier to obtain a H-2-rich stream by feeding different pellets made of wood, biomass/plastic and olive husks to the gasifier. The effects of both the steam supply and an in-bed catalyst on gasifier performance have been investigated. In general, pelletization was an effective pre-treatment for improving the homogeneity of the fuel and the reliability of the feeding devices. The use of biomass/plastic pellets in a catalyst bed yielded good results in terms of the hydrogen concentration (up to 32% vol.), even if an increase in tar production and in the fine/carbon elutriation rate was observed in comparison with wood pellets. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.