Hossein Toghiani1, Brian M. Kauffman2, Larry Pearson2, R. Arunkumar2, John A. Etheridge2, and Jay McCown2. (1) Chemical Engineering, Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, Mississippi State University, 330 Swalm, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (2) Institute for Clean Energy Technology, Mississippi State University, 205 Research Blvd, Starkville, MS 39759
Generation of a synthesis gas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide using a newly designed entrained flow gasifier has been investigated. Indirect heat was used to gasify waste sawdust in a one ton per day reforming reactor. The synthesis gas composition was determined at various operating conditions using a real time gas analyzer. Changes in gas composition were recorded as a function of reactor temperature, feed source, steam to feed ratio, and steam feed rates. Technical feasibility of the new reactor design has been demonstrated. The experimental data show that the hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio can be easily controlled over the range from 0.5:1 to nearly 2:1, depending on the operating conditions.