Production of synthesis gas by two-stage gasification of RPF in a lab-scale reactor

Because of environmental effects and high oil prices, waster material is considered as an important energy source. In this paper, we introduce a two-stage process of gasification of RPF (Refuse Plastic Fuel) to generate synthesis gas in a lab-scale reactor. The process consisted of a pyrolysis part and a reforming part. First, the gas was produced through pyrolysis of RPF at 600℃. Then, synthesis gas was produced through chemical reaction of collected pyrolysis gas with O2 and steam in a reformer at 800℃~1000℃. Experimental conditions were determined by chemical equilibrium calculations. Experiment results shows that concentrations of CO and H2 increased but THC concentration decreased as temperature is increased potentially due to the cracking of THC into CO and H2 at such high temperatures. When steam and O2 were injected, both of CO and H2 yields were increased. Production of H2 was also dependent on the amount of steam injection.