Exploration of the possibilities for production of Fischer Tropsch liquids and power via biomass gasification

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy 2002-08, Vol.23 (2), p.129-152
• Main Authors: Tijmensen, Michiel J.A., Faaij, André P.C., Hamelinck, Carlo N., van Hardeveld, Martijn R.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomass; Combined cycle; Diesel; Fischer Tropsch synthesis; FT-liquids; Gasification; Polygeneration
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/S0961-9534(02)00037-5

This paper reviews the technical feasibility and economics of biomass integrated gasification–Fischer Tropsch (BIG-FT) processes in general, identifies most promising system configurations and identifies key R&D issues essential for the commercialisation of BIG-FT technology. The FT synthesis produces hydrocarbons of different length from a gas mixture of H 2 and CO. The large hydrocarbons can be hydrocracked to form mainly diesel of excellent quality. The fraction of short hydrocarbons is used in a combined cycle with the remainder of the syngas. Overall LHV energy efficiencies, 1 1 Efficiency throughout this paper is on LHV wet basis, unless indicated otherwise. calculated with the flowsheet modelling tool Aspen plus, are 33–40% for atmospheric gasification systems and 42–50% for pressurised gasification systems. Investment costs of such systems ( 367 MW th ) are MUS$ 280–450, 2 2 All Cost numbers are in US$ 2000. depending on the system configuration. In the short term, production costs of FT-liquids will be about US$ 16/GJ. In the longer term, with large-scale production, higher CO conversion and higher C 5+ selectivity in the FT process, production costs of FT-liquids could drop to US$ 9/GJ. These perspectives for this route and use of biomass-derived FT-fuels in the transport sector are promising. Research and development should be aimed at the development of large-scale (pressurised) biomass gasification-based systems and special attention must be given to the gas cleaning section.