Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
08:43
Transformation of Organic Household Leftovers into a Peat Substitute
Published on: July 9, 2019
8.3K
Steam gasification kinetics of biochar at elevated pressures
J Schroeder1, H W J P Neomagus1, J R Bunt1
1Centre of Excellence in Carbon Based Fuels, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
Heliyon
|June 6, 2024
Summary
Biochar char reactivity experiments show that reaction rates increase with temperature and steam pressure. Carbon dioxide (CO2) formation significantly contributes to the reaction rate, especially at higher steam pressures.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Energy
Background:
- Biochar, a product of biomass pyrolysis, is a potential material for various applications.
- Understanding biochar's char reactivity is crucial for optimizing its use in processes like gasification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the char reactivity of biochar under varying temperature and steam partial pressure conditions.
- To determine the specific reaction rate and kinetic parameters of biochar steam gasification.
Main Methods:
- Biochar samples were produced from waste biomass and charred.
- Char reactivity experiments were performed in a high-pressure fixed-bed reactor (700-730 °C).
- Steam pressure was varied from 1 to 10 bar, and CO/CO2 products were measured.
Main Results:
- The reaction rate increased with conversion, temperature, and steam partial pressure.
- Higher steam partial pressure significantly enhanced the reaction rate up to 10 bar.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) formation contributed more to the specific reaction rate than carbon monoxide (CO), with CO2 selectivity increasing over the steam pressure range.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable kinetic data for biochar steam gasification.
- The findings highlight the importance of steam partial pressure in controlling biochar reactivity.
- Determined activation energy is consistent with existing literature, validating the kinetic models used.
