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Merrow Scientific supply a range of systems in the UK and Ireland suitable for biomass and coal gasification research and the subsequent conversion of the Synthesis Gas (syngas) generated via the Fischer Tropsch reaction to synthetic fuels. We are the local exclusive representative for Rubotherm and Autoclave Engineers and as result provide a range of systems for research into every aspect of CTL (coal to liquids) and BTL (biomass to liquids).
Gasification Research (Biomass to Gas)
Biomass gasification is the process that converts material into Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen (this mixture is also known as Synthesis Gas or Syngas - see below). The gasification takes place by reacting the raw material at high temperatures and (often increased) pressures with a controlled amount of oxygen and steam.
Using the Rubotherm DynTherm HP TGA system this reaction can be studied in great detail. A sample of material is placed in the DynTherm system and the mass change can be accurately measured by the microgram balance as the sample is subjected to high temperatures (up to 1200deg) and up to 50bar pressure as steam and oxygen (or other gases) are dosed across the sample. As the reaction takes place (at rates depending on the process conditions) the mass will decrease as volatiles are released. GC or Mass Spectrometers can be easily connected up to the instrument to see what comes off the sample and in what conditions.
The facility to monitor and adjust (and even ramp) conditions means the gasification process can be accurately studied. For example the addition of other gases can easily be looked into - researchers in New York's Columbia University have found that the addition of a Carbon Dioxide gas stream into the gasification process increase the efficiency greatly.
By adjusting parameters it's possible to easily look at the effect of increasing pressure on the gasification process and also its effect on the ratio of Hydrogen to Carbon Monoxide in the Syngas produced.
Syngas Conversion (Fischer Tropsch Reaction) (Gas to Liquids)
Syngas (H2 and CO - see above) can be converted into synthetic fuels using the Fischer Tropsch (FT) process. Originally developed in Germany during WW2 in order to produce fuel from Germany's coal stocks, this process has been further developed in South Africa to make use of their local coal supplies. Further interest has developed as it's seen as an alternative to oil for future energy supplies.
Using the Autoclave Engineers range of stirred reactors, fixed bed reactors and multi-reactor systems allows researchers to assess new catalysts and processing conditions.
Process variable would include pressures and temperatures, but also flow rates of the components of the syngas - i.e. the ratio of H2/CO. Typically from Coal Gasification syngas can contain a ratio of 1:3or4 (H:C atomic ratio) whereas Steam Methane Reforming produces 4:1 (H:C) and different end products require different ratios of H2 to CO.
For a link to a detailed presentation on our BTL research systems please fill in the following details: