Biomass Char Compositions for Catalytic Gasification

Abstract

Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a biomass char producedfrom the combustion of a biomass, such as switchgrass or hybrid poplar, with at least a second carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke or coal, and, optionally a gasification catalyst, for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 032,734 (filed Feb. 29, 2008), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes as if fully set forth.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure relates to particulate compositions comprising biomass gasification or combustion char and at least a second carbonaceous component as well as at least one gasification catalyst, where the char provides at least a portion of a gasification catalyst in the composition. Further, the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of the particulate compositions and for gasification of the same in the presence of steam to form gaseous products, and in particular, methane.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In view of numerous factors such as higher energy prices and environmental concerns, the production of value-added gaseous products from lower-fuel-value carbonaceou...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present disclosure relates to particulate compositions comprising a biomass char, a biomass and / or a non-biomass, and a gasification catalyst. Further, the disclosure relates to processes for preparation of the particulate compositions and for gasification of the same in the presence of steam to form gaseous products, and in particular, methane. Through blending appropriate levels of biomass and / or non-biomass materials with the biomass char in the feedstock, more efficient utilization of the carbon in the biomass can be realized as well as taking advantage of intrinsic levels of alkali metal compounds present in particular types of biomass char.

Problems solved by technology

It has generally been contemplated to provide such a catalyst from a source external to the gasification process, for example, by providing solutions or solid compositions of a catalyst which are acquired separately from the feedstocks, adding additional costs to the process.