Thermo Chemical Conversion Processes/file/Ongoing research Thermochemical Conversion...aims: To develop models that can be used for optimisation and trouble shooting of industrial

Ongoing research/competence areas

Thermo Chemical Conversion Processes

Fuel conversion Research field: Conversion of solid fuels during pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion. Formation of undesired by-products (tar, soot, and char).

Research aims: 1. To predict fuel conversion kinetics including heat and mass transfer 2. To understand and predict the effects of physical phenomena (flow field etc.) catalytic activity (by inorganic compounds) on fuel conversion especially char and tar 4. To develop sub-models for CFD implementation

Powder flame Snapshot

Raw biomass After pyrolysis

Volatile flame

Char combustion

Ash Transformation and Reactions/Emissions

00.20.40.60.8

11.21.41.6

Stem-wood

Bark Twigs Needles Shoots Contam. (3% )

wt %

of e

lem

ent (

D.S

)

KNaCaMgSiSClP

Ash forming elements in Norwegian spruce: Werkelin J, Thesis, 2008, Åbo Akademi University

Research field: Studies of the behaviour of ash forming elements/ash forming matter in thermochemical conversion processes (e.g. ash- and particle formation/-emissions, bed agglomeration, fouling).

Research aims: To understand, predict and avoid ash related problems in thermochemical conversion processes as well as suggest processes for production of more useful ashes (e.g. nutrients, construction materials)

Reacting Multi-Phase Flow

Research field: Studies of multi-phase, turbulent reacting flow in thermo-chemical conversion processes (e.g. entrained flow gasification, powder combustion and heat exchangers). Assessment of submodels for particle transport, turbulent, reactions etc.

Research aims: To develop models that can be used for optimisation and trouble shooting of industrial scale thermo-chemical conversion processes as well as for developing new processes. To perform advanced experiments that can complement the theoretical models.

Advanced experimental methods Research field: Laser heating, laser diagnosis, particle- gaseous- and deposit measurements. Advanced experiments in lab-, bench-, pilot- and full-scale FB’s-, fixed bed’s- and powder/entrained flow- combustors and gasifiers.

Research aims: To support the research activities of thermochemical conversion processes (e.g. pyrolysis , gasification and combustion) with advanced techniques and experimental methods.

ECO-lab – Thermochemical reactors WMR

iTG

DTF

FFPB

FBR

FDR

Traditional: Gas/tar/particle sampling, GC, SEM, optical size and shape analyser etc. Non-intrusive (collaboration with John-Field lab): CCD-based pyrometry, Raman-holography, laser extinction method, PIV-PTV etc.

ECO-lab – Measurement techniques