Steam reforming of hot gas from gasified wood types and miscanthus biomass

The reforming of hot gas generated from biomass gasification and high temperature gas filtration was studied in order to reach the goal of the CHRISGAS project: a 60% of synthesis gas (as x(H-2)+ x(CO) on a N-2 and dry basis) in the exit gas, which can be converted either into H-2 or fuels. A Ni-MgAl2O4 commercial-like catalyst was tested downstream the gasification of clean wood made of saw dust, waste wood and miscanthus as herbaceous biomass. The effect of the temperature and contact time on the hydrocarbon conversion as well as the characterization of the used catalysts was studied. Low (<600 degrees C), medium (750 degrees C-900 degrees C) and high temperature (900 degrees C-1050 degrees C) tests were carried out in order to study, respectively, the tar cracking, the lowest operating reformer temperature for clean biomass, the methane conversion achievable as function of the temperature and the catalyst deactivation. The results demonstrate the possibility to produce an enriched syngas by the upgrading of the gasification stream of woody biomass with low sulphur content. However, for miscanthusthe development of catalysts with an enhanced resistance to sulphur poison will be the key point in the process development. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.