Generation of Hydrogen through Thermo-Chemical Gasification of Biomass, funded by CSIR-NMITLI.

Project Leader / Co-ordinator: Dr. P. K. Chatterjee / Dr. A. B. Datta Total Project Cost : Rs 45 Lakh (Rupees forty five lakh only) Brief Description: An important application of biomass conversion could be generation of hydrogen which is a green fuel and suitable for application in fuel cell and other devices as fuel. Thermo-chemical gasification of biomass has been identified as possible process of renewable hydrogen production. Fluidized Bed (FB) gasification ensures better conversion. This application is dependent on tar elimination and CO conversion by water gas shift reaction. As reported extensively in literature biomass steam gasification results in conversion of carbonaceous materials to gases like H2, CO, CO2, CH4, light hydrocarbons, char, tar etc. Conversion of tar component by cracking followed by shift reaction leads to increased quantum of H2 generation. Objective: To investigate the process of Hydrogen generation through thermochemical fluidized bed gasification of biomass followed by tar cracking. To develop a lab pilot unit for demonstration. Purification of Hydrogen for hydrogen generation through steam reforming, shift reaction and PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Scope: Development of Biomass pre-treatment plant. Development of fluidized bed Biomass Gasifier. Development of circulating fluidized bed tar cracker. Development of gas cleaning system Modeling and analysis Techno economic assessment. Benefits: Biomass is renewable and net CO2 impact is small. Lesser pollution and greenhouse effect. It provides a method for biomass utilization with better efficiency. It has potential to accelerate realization of hydrogen as one major fuel of the future.

Flow Chart:
DOLOMITE BIOMAS 30
0

PREPARATION

800

TAR CRACKER CYCLONE CYCLONE

REFORMER 800 C, 35 Bar

0

EXHAUST GAS 100 PREHEATER GASIFIER

0

SHIFT REACTOR 0 450 C, 30 bar COMBUSTOR T= 0 900 C P= atm +

T= 0 800 C P= atm +

MOLECULAR SEIVE SEPARATOR 0 40 C, 45 bar

OTHERS

AIR BOILER STEAM 600

0

HYDROGEN

FLOW DIAGRAM OF PROPOSED CYCLE