EVALUATION OF METHANOL PRODUCTION FROM HEMP BIOWASTE GASIFICATION

Aim of this work is to estimate the methanol production from hemp market by-products through a combination of experimental tests and chemical equilibrium models. Three types of byproducts are investigated: chipped hemp hurd, cut hemp stalks and pelleted hemp stalks blended with 50% wt. of wood sawdust. The fuels prepared are then tested in a table-top air blown gasifier with a nominal consumption of 2 kg/h of biomass. The gasifier has a downdraft Imbert architecture and it is monitored using a combination of gas totalizers, thermocouples and a micro-gas chromatograph. Knowing biomass composition and consumption, gasification air and syngas flow rates and composition, an evaluation of the gasifier cold gas efficiency is performed. Data about syngas compositions are then used to simulate a methanol conversion using an equilibrium model. Methanol (CH3OH) is an important feedstock for the production of transport fuels and chemicals. I.e. example, the production of gasoline from methanol is an established commercial process. Methanol is produced through the synthesis of syngas in the presence of catalysts. In this work, low pressure Methanol synthesis reaction is simulated (5 MPa, 220°C). Results from syngas to methanol conversion were used to calculate methanol to biomass yield.