Title:
Thermodynamic and Energy Analysis of Glycerol Low Temperature Steam Reforming for Bio-SNG
Author(s):
White, R., Dupont, V., Cockerill, T.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Glycerol was previously a significant source of profit for biodiesel refineries. Due to the rapid expansion of the biodiesel industry in the last decade, surplus glycerol supply has reduced the value of crude and purified glycerol. In order to expand the uses of the glycerol by-product, an onsite low temperature glycerol steam reforming (GLT-SR) process to produce a methane (CH4) rich gas is proposed. Conversion of glycerol would occur in a single reactor by direct methanation. The thermodynamics of glycerol reforming at temperatures below 700K were explored leading to optimum conditions for CH4 formation and preventing carbon formation. Both the thermodynamics and design of the plant were carried out in Aspen Plus V8.8 and led to the evaluation of the energy efficiency and the potential to displace natural gas in a soybean biodiesel refinery. The Bio-SNG could offset 24% of the natural gas embodied energy requirement or 9% of the total embodied energy for soybean biodiesel production, from farm to use. Where glycerol is a waste product, GLT-SR can contribute to waste reduction and a circular economy.
Keywords:
bioenergy, energy, modelling, thermochemical conversion, synthetic natural gas (SNG)
Topic:
Biomass Conversion Technologies for Heating, Cooling and Electricity
Subtopic:
Gasification for power, CHP and polygeneration
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2BO.6.4
Pages:
500 - 503
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-2BO.6.4
Price:
FREE
