(574f) Sulfuric Compounds From Biomass in a Fluidized Bed Gasifier

Biomass gasification is an attractive focus of research for several reasons, including: low pollution, feedstock availability and liquid fuel production. As the world turns its focus to cleaner and more efficient forms of energy, gasification is a viable option that can be implemented in various regions without drastic effects. One area that demands further research is the catalytic poisons created during the gasification process that effects subsequent synthesis gas cleaning to remove tars. Sulfuric compounds greatly inhibit a catalysts ability to crack tars during the cleaning process. Though biomass contains a relatively small amount of sulfur, its effects are a large obstacle in removing tars and producing liquid fuels. The most common sulfur containing compounds are hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, thiophene and sulfur dioxide. Analysis of sulfur compounds at varying temperature, pressure and stoichiometry within a fluidized bed gasifier are explained within.