New method to produce Syngas

Over several months, Gaz Métro from Quebec  has been conducting a demonstration project aimed at converting forestry biomass into second-generation renewable natural gas. The trials, carried out in collaboration with the British Columbia firm G4. They used a thermochemical process called PyroCatalytic Hydrogenation (PCH) to transform wood chips into renewable natural gas. In Hydropyrolysis the biomass is vaporized in a pressurized (< 20 bar) hydrogen atmosphere by using a recirculating heating media to create a fast pyrolysis process. The char formed is used in the reformer. The pyrolysis vapors are catalytically converted into methane and steam in the presence of hydrogen. This is performed at catalyst temperatures below 650C and minimizes the formation of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons. The methane gas is separated and purified from the liquids and remaining hydrogen. The process is now ready to be tested in a larger pilot project that will produce greater volumes.

Source: IEA Bioenergy
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