· Biomass Gasification

The southeast is blessed with abundant woody biomass and our group is examining the effect of various biomass feedstocks on syngas composition and tar content using a downdraft and bubbling fluidized bed gasifiers.  Feedstocks such as pine wood, peanut hull pellets, poultry litter pellets and saw dust pellets were tested at various operating conditions.

 

The group has also developed a mathematical model for syngas composition determination using elemental analysis.

 

Research Projects

· Fast Pyrolysis

The conversion of biomass to pyrolysis oil (i.e., bio-oil) and subsequent conversion to gasoline/diesel range compounds have a significant potential in reducing the United States’ dependence on current petroleum imports. Using the fast pyrolysis technology, a high yield of bio-oil can be achieved from various biomass feedstocks. However, this oil is unstable and acidic, contains char particles, and has about half the heating value of petroleum liquid fuels. Our group has focused on several techniques to improve bio-oil’s properties so that it can be fungible transportation fuel. We have also developed an auger reactor which can produce 0.5 kg of bio-oil per hour. We have tested various feedstocks including poultry litter to produce bio-oil.

 

· Steam Reforming of Glycerol

Biofuels have become surrogate to fossil-based fuels because they are renewable and theoretically, carbon dioxide neutral. Over the last few years, the demand and production of biodiesel has increased tremendously. With the production of biodiesel, glycerol is being produced as a byproduct and several efforts are being made to utilize excess glycerol and produce value added products.  Our group has done an extensive study on hydrogen production from glycerol using various metal catalysts.