I believe that syngas is specific to the application, and is based on the ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide. As an example, ammonia syngas as defined in flow sheets for an ammonia plant is 3H2:1N2. Syngas for FT reactions can be from .6H2:1CO-1.5H2:CO, with iron based catalysts requiring less H2 than cobalt catalysts because the iron catalyst will do it's own shift reaction. Produced gas, water gas, blue gas, low heating value gas, low CV gas are all more appropriate designations for air based gasification systems. Even an oxygen or steam driven gasification system will not produce a "syngas" appropriate for certain catalyst reactions, but will work for many.
The use of nitrogen in the gas is indeed done in some of the more sopshisticated catalyst systems because it reduces the thermal concentration in the typically exothermic reactor such as FT reactions which in turn reduces the amount of cooling needed for the reactor design which can be a significant effect. The use of the term "syngas" is inappropriate for any gasification system because it is a specific composition based on the catalyst used. Only syngas can be called this when it is cleaned, balanced for the catalyst with contaminants removed such as Cl, S, organics so that the catalyst is not damaged by it. Sincerely, Leland T. "Tom" Taylor President Thermogenics Inc. 505.463.8422 www.thermogenics.com _______________________________________________ The Gasification list has moved to [email protected] - please update your email contacts to reflect the change. Please visit http://info.bioenergylists.org for more news on the list move. Thank you, Gasification Administrator
