Optimizing H2 Production from Waste Tires via Combined Steam Gasification and Catalytic Reforming

• DOI: 10.1021/ef200072c
• Publication Date: 2011-04-29T18:25:04Z
• Authors: Sabrina Portofino; Stefania Casu; Pierpaolo Iovane; Antonio Russo; Maria Martino; Antonio Donatelli; Sergio Galvagno
• Keywords: Scrap; Wood gas generator; tar (computing)

The disposal of waste tires represents a relevant problem within the management strategy European community: more than 300 000 are estimated to reach their end life each year in 27 member states Union and comparable amounts found North America, Latin Asia, Middle East. global total is ∼1 rising year. (Source: Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA), 2006.) It well-known that scrap possess high volatiles low ash contents, together with heating value higher coal biomass. These properties make them an ideal material for alternative thermal processes, such as pyrolysis gasification, which can be finalized both energy recovery. Within this frame, present work related experimental tests has obtained results combined process tire steam gasification syngas catalytic reforming, aim exploring possible utilization fuel cell applications. Four catalysts have been used tests: two natural mineral products (olivine dolomite) commercial nickel-based catalysts. Experimental data show whether olivine or dolomite directly into reactor carry out char gas yields increase respect sole (the production varies from 41.2% w/w without 59% 47.9% w/w, using dolomite, respectively; 60.8% 63.5% 84% dolomite). Then, while shows stronger effect on production, seems effective yield. Moreover, promote hydrogen 51.6 vol % 65.6 57 using, respectively, olivine, basically because enhanced cracking methane other hydrocarbons content decreases 27.6 11.3 20.8 %, respectively). Regarding dry step, tested by varying temperature, substrates, reactive atmosphere, hydrogen-rich gas, already at lower temperature. seen reforming condition nickel catalyst instead Ni/olivine: under conditions, increases, before up 78 650 °C. With regard strong flow, mostly due reactions, registered well and, detail, increases 0.8 m3 kg–1 fed, 1.0 fed 1.5 750 °C Ni catalyst, 1.12 1.91 °C, catalyst. adopted operating conditions allow one obtain appreciable amount char, whose carbon suggest its further exploitation activated (after activation process) source synthesis reactions.