feedstock
Enerkem recycles waste wood from decommissioned power poles.
als, such as biomass treated with creosote, are converted into a synthetic gas—consisting mostly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen—through a chemical gasification process. The gasification process is carried out using air as a partial oxidation agent or using oxygen-enriched air, with the oxygen level tailored to the desired composition of the synthetic gas. The presence of steam at a specific partial pressure is also necessary. The gasifier operates at low severities, temperatures of approximately 700 degrees Celsius (1,292 degrees Fahrenheit) and below 10 units of atmospheric pressure. During the gasification process, part of the creosote is broken down, forming a portion of the product syngas. Other traces of impurities are captured as residues in the form of a neutralized ash, or through a wastewater treatment system for effective disposal through the syngas cleaning system. At this stage, the gas is effectively cleaned and conditioned for use with existing catalysts. This is accomplished through a sequential conditioning system, which in-
cludes cyclonic removal of inerts, secondary carbon and tar conversion, heat recovery units, and reinjection of tar/fines into the reactor. The gas that is produced at the end of the cleaning process is ready for conversion into liquid fuel and end products which Enerkem says meet all requirements as either industrial grade products or fuel additives. The Westbury plant is scheduled to begin production in the fall of 2008, and will have the capacity to produce more than 1.3 MMgy. The company is currently negotiating with other facilities to take their treated wood, Enerkem tells Biomass Magazine. The number of companies that are striving to develop new technologies to utilize less commonly used but accumulating wastes, such as creosote treated wood, is on the rise. As the renewable fuels race continues—so does the recycling race. BIO
Anna Austin is a Biomass Magazine staff writer. Reach her at aaustin @bbiinternational.com or (701) 738-4968.
sĂĽ0NEUMATICS sĂĽ3IZEĂĽ2EDUCTION sĂĽ6IBRATORYĂĽ&EEDERS sĂĽ-ATERIALĂĽ(ANDLING sĂĽ3TORAGEĂĽ ĂĽ2ECLAIM sĂĽ3CREENINGĂĽ ĂĽ0ROCESSING Allow our 30 plus years experience in the Pulp and Paper Industry work for you.
1.800.615.9296 50 BIOMASS MAGAZINE 8|2008
ĂĽ7ILLISĂĽ2OADĂĽsĂĽ7OODRUFF ĂĽ3OUTHĂĽ#AROLINAĂĽĂĽ ĂĽsĂĽWWW JEFFREYCORP COM BIO ĂĽ