Solid-recovered fuel to liquid conversion using fixed bed gasification technology and a fischer–tropsch synthesis unit – case study

Abstract

In order to utilise energy-rich solid waste, its liquid conversion into valuable hydrocarbon (HC) chains is one of the ways followed worldwide to decrease the oil processing and waste landfilling at the same time. The unique fixed bed updraft gasification reactor with an oscillating circular grate, situated in VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, can generate up to 90 m 3 •h− 1 of CO and H 2-rich synthetic gas. Such valuable mixture is suitable for the gas to liquid conversion in Fischer-Tropsch Micro Catalyst Bed (F-T MCB) unit, where more complex substances of higher temperature and pressure form in the environment. This article focuses on solid-recovered fuel (SRF) gained as a mixture of industrial and communal waste sources. Gasification of such material in the fixed bed reactor can produce approximately 600 and 250 m 3 of CO and H 2 , respectively, per ton of SRF in the abided gasification conditions. The gas, retrieved from the process, undergoes a thermochemical reaction on the surface of a catalyst within the reactor of the Fischer-Tropsch unit. As a result, a highly valued HC liquid is achieved from the suitable, non-recyclable waste treatment. Cobalt and iron catalysts in their plain form, as well as the catalysts enriched with Mn/K enhancers are put in comparison in this study. The quality and quantity of the synthesis product are examined and the technological aspects of both units are described. The amount of HC synthesis product ranges from 18 to 45 kg per ton of fuel. The composition tends to form HC chains in favour of groups of alcohols and alkanes.

Entrained Flow Plasma Gasification of Sewage Sludge–Proof-of-Concept and Fate of Inorganics

“…The following regulations are important on the EU level [26,27 Conversion of solid fuel to gas is the main point of gasification [32,33]. When air is used as a gasification agent, the main product called "producer gas" consists mainly of H2, CO, CO2, and N2 [34][35][36]. Hydrocarbons are also present, among which methane is the most significant of all non-condensable gases [37,38].…”

Evaluation and Safety Assessment of Biomass-/Waste-Generated Producer Gas

“…This analyser is capable to determine percental (volume) content of the following gases: CO, CO 2 , CH 4 , C n H m (dual beam infrared detector), H 2 (thermal conductivity detector) and O 2 (electrochemical detector) with 0.01% precision. The technology as well as the sampling track along with sampling methodology used are described in Čespiva et al [6], [13], [14].…”

“…For instance, gasification of so called solid recovered fuel (SRF) has a potential to produce CO, H 2 and CH 4 rich producer gas which can be utilised in many ways without causing significant harm to the environment. The application of SRF into waste-to-liquid processes through gasification and Fischer-Tropsch catalytic synthesis can also present an interesting alternative for the future [6].…”

Conceptual Process Design, Energy and Economic Analysis of Solid Waste to Hydrocarbon Fuels via Thermochemical Processes

“…Syngas produced from pyrolysis and gasification could be upgraded to liquid hydrocarbon fuels via the Fischer-Tropsch chemical process [22]. Fischer-Tropsch processes use catalytic transition metals including iron, cobalt, and nickel to convert syngas to liquid hydrocarbon fuels, which have a higher market value and can be used as combustible fuels in ignition engines [23].…”

“…The thermodynamic efficiency in integrated combined gasification cycles could be improved by excess heat integration from primary combustion and syngas combustion systems with the steam cycle system, which results in higher thermodynamic efficiency compared to conventional gasification cycles [21][22][23][24]. The Claus process is used to desulfurize and eliminate syngas impurities prior syngas turbine to reduce gaseous emissions during combustion including sulfur dioxide, particulates, mercury, and carbon dioxide [24,25].…”