The report gives results of an evaluation of the reactivity of poplar wood in hydrogasification under the operating conditions specific for the Hynol process, using a thermobalance reactor. Parameters affecting gasification behavior (e.g., gas velocity, particle size, system pressure, reaction temperature, reaction time, and feed gas composition) were investigated. The experimental results showed that temperature and particle size strongly affect biomass conversion and gasification rates. The poplar wood conversion is proportional to the partial pressures of hydrogen and steam in the feed gas. A conversion of 86-87% was observed when 1/8-in. (0.32 cm) poplar particles were gasified at 30 atm (2942 kPa) and 800 C for 60 min with the feed gas composition simulating the Hynol recycled gas from the methanol synthesis reactor. As the reaction time extended to 2.5 hours, the conversion increased to 90%. It was found that gasification involves a rapid reaction of biomass thermal decomposition and a slow reaction of residual carbonaceous matter with the feed gas. The activation energies for these reactions were estimated. A kinetic model was developed to quantitatively express gasification rates and biomass conversion as functions of reaction time. The model was used to correlate the thermobalance reactor experimental data.

"EPA/600/R-96/071." "June 1996." Microfiche.