Co-gasification of Biomass and Non-biomass Feedstocks: Synergistic and Inhibition Effects of Switchgrass Mixed with Sub-bituminous Coal and Fluid Coke During CO2 Gasification

Co-gasification of biomass, namely, switchgrass, with coal and fluid coke was performed to investigate the availability of the gasification catalysts to the mixed feedstock, especially alkali and alkaline earth elements, naturally present on switchgrass. Rates of CO2 gasification of the single and mixed materials were measured at temperatures between 750 and 950 degrees C and atmospheric pressure by thermogravimetry. High interparticle mobility of the catalysts is indicated by a prompt and lasting effect on the mixed feed gasification rate when compared with the separate rates. The switchgrass coal mixtures show a deactivation (antagonism), attributed to sequestration of the mobile alkali elements by reaction with aluminosilicate minerals in coal to form inactive alkali aluminosilicates, such as KAlSi3O8 and KAlSiO4. Remaining catalytic activity is evident when excess alkali is present in the feed mixture to satisfy the stoichiometric requirements of these deactivation reactions. In co-gasification of switchgrass with fluid coke, which has little interfering inorganic matter, a synergism is noted in the gasification of the mixed feed. The results document the effects of fuel mixture, composition of the coal or coke ash, and the gasification temperature on this behavior.