EUBCE 2024 - Antonio SORIA-VERDUGO - Exploiting Biochar Properties to Improve Modular Biomass Conversion Systems

Exploiting Biochar Properties to Improve Modular Biomass Conversion Systems

Short Introductive summary

Biochar has unique properties which can significantly improve the gas quality and reduce emissions in biomass conversion systems, including the ability to (1) crack tars at high temperatures, (2) reduce nitrogen compounds minimizing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and (3) trap alkalis in cold zones avoiding particle matter (PM) emissions. However, the char properties and conditions required to maximize the biochar effects are largely unknown. The objective of this work is to get a deeper fundamental understanding of biochar unique properties to use it as an intermediate product which can improve gas quality and reduce emissions. For this purpose, an extremely flexible modular lab-scale reactor was constructed. The volatiles generated in one zone or module can be directed into other zones which can be filled by biochar with different properties at a defined temperature and atmosphere, studying the conversion process at this new stage and tracking the fates of the tar, nitrogen, or alkali compounds. Results are presented for the influence of temperature, residence time and biochar inorganic content on catalytic tar cracking, and the emissions reduction in combustion with biochar.

A. Anca-Couce, University Carlos III Madrid, Leganés, SPAIN
L.M. García-Gutiérrez, University Carlos III Madrid, Leganés, SPAIN
E. Cano-Pleite, University Carlos III Madrid, Leganés, SPAIN
J.F. Guil-Pedrosa, University Carlos III Madrid, Leganés, SPAIN
A. Soria-Verdugo, University Carlos III Madrid, Leganés, SPAIN