Performance evaluation of biomass chemical looping gasification in a fluidized bed reactor using industrial waste as oxygen carrier

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Avishek Goel (Tampere University)

Fabiola Panitz (Technische Universität Darmstadt)

E. Mohammadzadeh Moghaddam (TU Delft - Complex Fluid Processing)

Jochen Ströhle (Technische Universität Darmstadt)

Bernd Epple (Technische Universität Darmstadt)

Chao He (Tampere University)

Jukka Konttinen (Tampere University)

Research Group
Complex Fluid Processing
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132447
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Complex Fluid Processing
Volume number
427
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Abstract

The study investigates biomass chemical looping gasification (BCLG) using nickel smelter slag as an oxygen carrier (OC). Key operating parameters, including reactor temperatures (800–900 °C), OC-to-biomass ratio (OCBR, 4:1–15:1), and steam as a gasification medium, were evaluated in a 5kWth fluidized bed reactor using pine forest residue. Performance metrics including gas composition and process efficiencies were assessed. OCs were characterized using XRD, BET and SEM-EDS analyses. Optimal performance was achieved at 850 °C, an OCBR (10:1) and a steam-to-biomass ratio (1.4). The gas composition was 38.87 vol% H2, 19.65 vol% CO, 34.48 vol% CO2, and 6.61 vol% CH4, with a product gas yield of 1.24Nm3/kg-biomass. Carbon conversion efficiency was 77.85 %, cold gas efficiency 58.70 %, and levelized cost of fuel was 0.15 €/Nm3 for product gas and 4.55 €/kg for H2.The results suggest that steam addition significantly enhanced char conversion, improving overall BCLG efficiency. Moreover, nickel smelter slag demonstrated stability, consistent reactivity, and limited sintering behavior.