(657a) Process Intensification for Microwave-Assisted Co-Gasification of Solid Waste to Syngas

Gasification is an energy intensive process that transforms solid feedstock at high temperatures into a syngas which can promote energy independence by allowing the generation of fuels and electricity from various materials such as biomass and coal, enhancing local energy production and ensuring energy security. Existing gasification technologies are energy-intensive and require high operating temperatures (>1000 °C), and are limited on feedstock types, creating hurdles to commercialization. Microwave gasification offers several advantages including higher hydrogen yields, enhanced syngas selectivity, reduced bulk temperatures required to trigger the gasification reaction, and increased energy efficiency and reduces operational costs. NETL is developing a microwave-assisted gasification process capable of processing variable feedstock including coal, biomass, plastics and mixtures. In this talk, Dr. Pranjali Muley and Dr. Ashraf Abedin of NETL's Center for Microwave Chemistry (CMC) will focus on the advancements in microwave technology applications in solids conversion to syngas, understanding the fundamentals of microwave material interactions, process intensification of microwave-based processes and modeling approaches to solve some of the crucial problems during scaling up. They will discuss the unique capabilities and research areas of the CMC and its role in electrifying the mixed feedstock gasification process with an aim to improve gasification process efficiency by using waste feedstocks as starting material to produce valuable fuels and chemicals and support the nation’s energy future. Investigating such waste-to-fuel conversion route can lead to new possibilities for addressing the current energy crisis, while also ensuring the United States’ leadership in developing advanced energy technology.