Optimal Technique for Separation of Particle-rich Syngas in Cyclone for Efficient Methanation

An optimal purification technique for particle-rich synthetic gas (syngas) from gasifier, prior to catalytic processing in a micro-reactor, is proposed. Being a suitable substitute for natural gas, the production of syngas involves gasification-based thermochemical conversion of biomass. Energy conversion and utilization from residential food waste, out of the commonly sourced biomass feedstock, including wood, animal waste, and agricultural products, are investigated. Accurate characterization of the cleaning process in a cyclone separator for a suitable micro channel reactor, where the methanation reaction takes place, is attempted. For simplicity, low maintenance cost and relevance to industrial applications, three common cyclone configurations, namely the 1D2D, 2D2D and 1D3D, are accessed. Comparative analyses of each of the three configurations, including the prediction of particle separation efficiency, particle size distribution, cut-size-diameter and pressure drop, are carried out. The 2D2D cyclone provides the best performance with the smallest cut-size-diameter for flow rates of 0.1 to 1m/s, while the 1D2D has the smallest pressure drop.