Experimental and Modeling Studies on the Removal of Tars from Coal‐Derived Syngas Using Methyl Oleate

Abstract

The absorption of model tar compounds (benzene, toluene, and xylene) in methyl oleate is studied in a fixed-bed absorption column. The dynamic system involving the recirculation of the tar-rich solvent is modeled as a combination of various steady-state snapshots in time, and this approach effectively predicts the performance of the absorber. The rate-based model shows a good agreement with the experimental data as compared to the equilibrium-based model. Further, a pilotscale absorber is designed for the removal of tars from syngas generated in a coalto-methanol plant. The validated rate-based model is used to predict the effect of various operating and geometry parameters on the absorption efficiency of the pilot-scale absorber. The regeneration of the solvent by steam stripping and reboiled stripping is evaluated.