Catalytic Activity in Naphthalene Reforming of Two Types of Catalytic Filters for Hot Gas Cleaning of Biomass-Derived Syngas

The catalytic activity in the reforming of naphthalene of two different types of catalytic filter candles for biomass-derived syngas cleaning are presented and compared at superficial velocities of 72 and 90 m/h, respectively. The tests were performed in a laboratory setup on a fixed catalyst bed and small sections of full size candles. In a 50 h long-term test of the first candle type of fixed bed design, complete naphthalene conversion was found at 800 degrees C, 100 ppmv H2S, and an average superficial velocity of 135 m/h for the integrated Ni catalyst. Doubling the naphthalene concentration from 5 to 10 g/Nm(3) has also led to complete conversion in a short-term test at a superficial velocity of 90 m/h. Because of easier manufacturing of the second candle type, several candles of a catalytic layer design were prepared by using different MgO-containing support materials and adjusting NiO loadings between 35 and 194 wt %. As compared to previous work, a conversion increase from 58 to 74% was achieved at 800 degrees C, 100 ppmv H2S, and a superficial velocity of 90 m/h that was further improved to 87% by decreasing the superficial velocity to 72 m/h. In the absence of H2S, 96 or 97% conversion was achieved, respectively.