Non-catalytic partial oxidation of bio-oil to synthesis gas for distributed hydrogen production

A system has been developed for the volatilization and conversion of a bio-oil mixed with methanol to synthesis gas via non-catalytic partial oxidation (NPOX) using an ultrasonic nozzle to feed the mixture. Such a process would be ideal for distributed H-2 production. The feedstock used was derived from poplar wood. The effects of both temperature (from 625 to 850 degrees C) and added oxygen (effective O:C ratio from 0.7 to 1.6) on the yields of CO and H-2 have been explored. High yields of CO (between 50% and 70% of the maximum possible from the bio-oil) have been observed. Hydrogen yields are much lower (similar to 25% of the maximum possible). However, the water formed during NPOX can be used to generate additional H-2. The bio-oil carbon to gas conversion is typically between 85% and 95% for optimal conditions. Due to this significant conversion, lower catalyst loadings are expected to be required for the downstream processing. (c) 2009 Professor T. Nejat Veziroglu. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.