Ex situ themo-catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors using a traveling wave microwave reactor

Authors: MULEY, PRANJALI - Louisiana State University; HENKEL, CHARLES - Louisiana State University; AGUILAR, GUSTAVO - Louisiana State University; Klasson, K Thomas; BOLDOR, DORIN - Louisiana State University

Submitted to: Applied Energy
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/18/2016
Publication Date: 12/1/2016
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5626848
Citation: Muley, P.D., Henkel, C.E., Aguilar, G., Klasson, K.T., Boldor, D. 2016. Ex situ themo-catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors using a traveling wave microwave reactor. Applied Energy. 183:995-1004.

Interpretive Summary: Microwave heating has advantages over other heating methods, such as, rapid heating, precise temperature control, energy efficiency and uniform heating. In this article we demonstrate the use of a special microwave method to heat a bed of particles that help the chemical reaction between gases. The particle bed was tested at three different temperatures (290°, 330° and 370°C). The results were compared with results from other heating methods. The chemical reaction and coke deposition were dependent on temperature and method of heating. Microwave resulted in more reaction and less coke deposition than the other heating methods. Microwave heating was also energy efficient compared to the other methods. The speed by which the bead bed deteriorated was less in the microwave system.

Technical Abstract: Microwave heating offers a number of advantages over conventional heating methods, such as, rapid and volumetric heating, precise temperature control, energy efficiency and lower temperature gradient. In this article we demonstrate the use of 2450 MHz microwave traveling wave reactor to heat the catalyst bed for thermo-catalytic upgrading of pyrolysis vapors. HZSM-5 catalyst was tested at three different temperatures (290°, 330° and 370°C) at a catalyst to biomass ratio of 2. The results were compared with conventional heating of catalyst bed. The yield of aromatic compounds and coke deposition were dependent on temperature and method of heating. Microwave heating yielded higher aromatic compounds and lower coke deposition. Microwave heating was also energy efficient compared to conventional reactors. The rate of catalyst deterioration was lower for catalyst heated in microwave system.