Analysis of trace components in synthesis gas generated by black liquor gasification

The only pressurized black liquor gasifier currently in operation is located in Sweden. The composition of the main components in the gas has been reported previously. The main components are H2, CO, CO2, N2, CH4, and H2S. In the present work, trace components in the gas have been characterized and the results are hereby reported for the first time. Samples were taken at two occasions during a one year period. The benzene concentration in the gas varied only slightly and the average concentration was 158 ppm. Benzene is formed by thermal cracking of the biomass. The COS concentration varied substantially and the average concentration was 47 ppm. The variations may be related to how the quench is operated. A few ppm of C2-hydrocarbons were also observed in the gas and the variation was probably a result of varying oxygen to black liquor ratio. No tars were observed in the gas. However, tar compounds, such as phenanthrene, pyrene, fluoranthene and fluorene were detected in deposits found on the pipe walls after the gas cooler. The concentration of particles in the synthesis gas was very low; <0.1 mg/N m3, which is comparable to the particulate matter in ambient air. Submicron particles were comprised of elements such as C, O, Na, Si, S, Cl, K, and Ca, and these particles probably originated from the black liquor. Larger particles were comprised mainly of Fe, S and Ni and these particles probably resulted from corrosion of steel in the plant pipe-work. In summary, the concentrations of trace components and particles in the gas are quite low.