Biomass-based hydrogen for oil refining: Integration and performances of two gasification concepts

In this work, two biomass-to-hydrogen concepts are designed and their integration with a large European refinery is investigated. One concept is based on indirect, atmospheric steam gasification while the second is based on pressurized direct oxygen-steam-blown gasification. The technologies chosen for gas cleaning, upgrading and hydrogen separation also differ in the two concepts. Heat integration and poly-generation opportunities are identified by means of process integration tools and four system configurations are identified. These are compared in terms of energy and exergy performances and potential for reduction of fossil CO2 emissions at the refinery. It is found that the performance of the biomass-to-hydrogen concepts can be improved by up to 11% points in energy efficiency and 9% points in exergy efficiency. The design based on indirect gasification appears the most efficient according to both energy and exergy efficiencies. All configurations yield potential significant reductions of fossil CO2 emissions at the refinery.