Syngas/hydrogen production method from biomass feed stock

Abstract

The invention is directed to a co-gasification process that uses biomass and VGO as a feedstock to produce syngas which includes a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

1 . A process for producing syngas non-isothermically from a biomass-containing carbon source, comprising:
 co-gasifying, in the presence of one or more of an alkali earth metal catalyst and an alkali earth metal catalyst, a feedstock comprising vacuum gas oil (VGO), petroleum coke and a biomass comprising glucose, lignin, and cellulose by ramped heating the feedstock at a rate ranging from about 10 to about 50° C./min to a temperature ranging from 306° C. to 378° C., thereby producing syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide,   wherein the co-gasification is performed using a purge gas, carrier gas, or gasification agent supplied at a flow rate ranging from 100 to 200 mL/min,   wherein the VGO comprises C 20  through C 50  hydrocarbons and boils in the range of about 350° C. to 600°; and   wherein the biomass has a C:H:O ratio in wt % of 35 to 40:4 to 6:50 to 55,   wherein the feedstock comprises the biomass in an amount of 25 wt. % and the VGO in a range of from 70 to 80 wt. %, each based on a total weight of the feedstock, and   wherein the process produces syngas having a higher content of hydrogen than an otherwise identical process that uses a feedstock consisting of the VGO, coke, or coal.   
     
     
         2 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the co-gasifying comprises ramped heating of the feedstock at a rate ranging from 20 to 40° C./min. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the gasification agent or purge gas is nitrogen. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the gasification agent or purge gas is air. 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the gasification agent or purge gas is carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         9 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the biomass comprises switchgrass. 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the biomass comprises cardboard or paper. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the biomass comprises wood, sawdust or another wood product. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the alkali earth metal catalyst and the alkaline earth metal catalyst are present during the co-gasifying in an amount ranging from 0.001 wt % to 1 wt %, based on a total weight of the feedstock. 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the ramped heating is produced by combustion of the feedstock. 
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 1 , that produces syngas with a lower content of SO x , NO x  or CO 2  that an otherwise identical process that uses a feedstock consisting of VGO, coke, or coal. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled)