F.J. Gutiérrez Ortiz

A pilot plant technical assessment of an advanced in-duct desulphurisation process

In-duct sorbent injection (DSI) is a well-known, low-cost desulphurisation technology handicapped by its moderate SO(2) removal capacity. Fortunately, there are some technical options for increasing the desulphurisation efficiency without eliminating its inherent advantages. In this experimental study, several improvement design options like the recirculation of reactivated sorbent, the pre-collection of the fly ash and the use of seawater for humidification have been analysed using an extensive parametric testing programme. The effect of the main operating variables directly related to the desulphurisation efficiency has been also tested following a fractional factorial design. These variables were the Ca/S ratio, the approach to the adiabatic saturation temperature and the recirculation ratio of the partially converted sorbent. Other important questions like the use of a high-BET-area lime and the impact of the DSI process on an ESP have been also included in this experimental assessment. More than 50 experimental tests were carried out in a 3-MWe equivalent pilot plant to assess the different improvement options for in-duct sorbent injection. The results of this study allow us to extract practical conclusions about the devices, equipment and operating conditions as a function of the target SO(2) efficiency, and even enable us to provide an economic assessment. Using the proposed improvement options to process a flue gas with 400-1000ppm of SO(2) concentration, a 90% sulphur removal with a lime utilisation of 45% was achieved.

Effect of mixing bio-oil aqueous phase model compounds on hydrogen production in non-catalytic supercritical reforming

Bio-oil derived from biomass fast pyrolysis can be processed into fuel or some chemical products, but it has a waste aqueous phase that, however, may be valorized. Supercritical reforming of this stream, simulated using mixtures of model compounds (acetic acid, acetol, 1-butanol and glucose), was experimentally studied in a tubular reactor without using a catalyst. The effect of mixing the model compounds at different operating parameters (temperature, feed composition, and residence time) on the process performance was investigated, thus addressing an important chemical aspect of biomass-based renewable energy. The experimental dry gas composition consisted of H2, CO2, CO and CH4, although the gas yields were far from equilibrium. Hydrogen yields were normally less than 2.0 moles of H2 per mole of organic feed, which are lower than those obtained for pure compounds with the same concentration. Based on the analyzed liquid samples, a series of probable reaction pathways were proposed to explain the experimental results by considering the interactions among the compounds and their formed intermediates. Thus, under tested supercritical conditions, the residence time was insufficient to reform the formed methane into hydrogen, thus leading to lower hydrogen production.