2024 AIChE Annual Meeting

(278a) Production of Low Carbon Hydrogen Via Thermochemical Routes

Authors

Salem, A. - Presenter, Heriot-Watt University
Bales, E., Heriot-Watt University
Sanna, A., Heriot-Watt University
Ocone, R., Heriot Watt University
Much effort is currently being devoted to the production of green hydrogen (e.g. from renewables to electrolysis). However, oil majors, who are actively wishing to participate in the low carbon transition, need a starting point which is closer to their core business. Thus, the conversion of hydrocarbons to hydrogen provides a good entry point for many companies. Robust technologies to produce blue (low carbon) hydrogen at scale, and tools to determine how to deploy these optimally, alongside other low-carbon technologies at the local and national scales, are still in development.

The current work explores the suitability of biomass to produce hydrogen via pyrolysis. The work presents a computational model for analysing the performance of fast and intermediate pyrolysis in a fluidised bed pyroliser. The model investigates the impact of operating conditions and the physical and chemical properties of a specific biomass on the pyrolysis process. Through sensitivity analysis of the main operating parameters, including temperature, pressure and residence time, optimal conditions have been identified to maximise hydrogen yield whilst minimising the amount of undesirable by-products. The model is able to predict primary and secondary pyrolysis and the best operating conditions to optimise hydrogen yield. A rule is presented that makes the model generalisable to various biomass wastes.