Ongoing research/competence areas

Thermo Chemical Conversion Processes

Research structure

Experimental & Numerical Methods

Optimizing design and operation of

thermochemical processes

Ash Transformation & Reactions

Fuel Conversion Reacting Multi- Phase Flow

Research cycle

Pilot-scale experiments CFD simulation

Fundamental experiments

Fundamental modelling

Process optimization

Research needs

Supply of data

Sub-model delivery

Understanding mechanism

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Process integration

System optimization

Fuel conversion Research field: Conversion of solid fuels during thermochemical conversion processes. Transport phenomena inside fuel particles, and product distribution and characterization (oil, tar, soot, and char).

Research aims: To understand and predict fuel conversion kinetics, to avoid problems related to unconverted fuels, to maximize the desired product yields and properties dependent on the technical applications, and to develop high-fidelity sub-models for CFD simulation.

Powder flame Snapshot

Raw biomass After pyrolysis

Volatile flame

Char combustion

Ash Transformation and Reactions/Emissions

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11.21.41.6

Stem-wood

Bark Twigs Needles Shoots Contam. (3% )

wt %

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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 Fuel preparation and characterization

Rotary sample divider Sieves IR moisture analyser

Size and shape analyser Bomb calorimeter CHNS/O analyser

• Carl-Fischer moisture analyzer

• Drying oven

No picture

ECO lab high temp. reactors

• Macro TG (<1000 C) • Optical single particle burner • Batch-type fluidized bed reactor • Drop tube reactor (<1400 C) • High temperature furnaces (<1400 C)

• Pulverized burners • Residential pellet boilers • High pressure reactors (<350

bar)

ECO lab Measurement methods (1)

Extractive sampling: Gas - microGC, Testo portable analyzer Liquid - GC-FID, soxhlet extractor (SPA), rotary evaporator (impinger) Solid - Particle impactor, micro balance, SEM (at the department), XRD (at the department), etc.

µGC

Soxhlet

Rotary evap. GC-FID (auto-sampler, TDC)

2 micro balances (1 µg) & 2 precision balances (1 mg)

Measurement methods (2) Non-intrusive methods: • Temperature – 2 color

pyrometry • Soot – Laser extinction • Velocity – PIV (gas), PTV

(particle), streak line (particle) • Size and shape of particles • Qualitative image analyses

Equipment: • 2 image intensifiers • 2 high speed

cameras (5400 fps) • 3-CCD camera • 2-color diode laser • Photo diodes • Spectrometer • IR thermocamera • IR thermometer • Black body furnace

Visualization of jet/swirl burners

Particle ignition

LTU Green Fuels pilot plant

• Entrained flow gasifier for liquid fuels (former Chemrec) • Optimised for alkaline fuels (black liquor) • 3 MWth @ 30 bar and 1000 – 1100 °C

• Cleaning and conditioning of raw gas to ultra clean syngas (impurities < 1 ppm)

• Compression to 120 bar • Methanol and DME synthesis (app. 4 ton DME/24h) • Mothball project until end of 2019