Steam reforming of bio-oil from pyrolysis of MBM over particulate and monolith supported Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts

Catalytic steam reforming of bone oil, obtained by pyrolysis of meat and bone meal (MBM), was studied over particulate and monolithic Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts and their promoted varieties. Two tube reactors were used in cascade at atmospheric pressure and steam to carbon molar ratio of 5. The first reactor, loaded with granular dolomite, and the second reactor, containing Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, was operated at 800 and 700–750 °C, respectively. The WHSV of the oil in the second reactor was usually in the range of 4.0–9.0 h−1, whereas in the first reactor was generally ten times lower. The guard catalyst prevented the Ni-catalysts from activity loss for days and could be regenerated by air treatment at the reaction temperature. The oil was virtually fully converted to CO and H2-rich gas. The K or Ca additives promoted, the Mg additive adversely affected the reforming activity and stability of the Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts.