Thermal utilization of biochar in the process of steam gasification oriented on hydrogen rich gas generation

I ncreasing energy demand, limited resources of fossil fuels and environmental aspects are the main rationales behind the research efforts aiming at wider utilization of biowaste (e.g. sewage sludge) in energy generation systems. Gasification as an alternative to combustion offers increased efficiency, lower negative environmental impact and wider application range of the main product – synthesis gas – in power generation and chemical synthesis. It is also considered as one of the most viable options for hydrogen production, as an environment friendly energy carrier. An increased interest in renewable energy resources has resulted in numerous studies on biomass and biowaste gasification. Municipal solid wastes, sewage sludge and industrial residues are also considered as potential gasification feedstock. In the paper the experimental results on steam gasification of biochar in a fixed bed reactor under atmospheric pressure and at the temperature of 700, 800 and 900oC are presented. The effectiveness of the biochar gasification process was tested in terms of the total gas and hydrogen yield, gas composition, carbon conversion rate and biochars reactivity.