Syngas Information

1. Syngas (synthesis gas) is a gas mixture produced by gasification of biomass materials. The gas contains varying amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen that can be converted into a gaseous fuel. • Syngas Uses • Converted to liquid fuels • Hydrogen production • Synthetic natural gas production • Burned in internal combustion engines or turbines to generate electricity Syngas Information John Nowatzki Ag & Biosystems Engineering dept. North Dakota State University John.Nowatzki@ndsu.edu

2. More efficient than direct combustion • Syngas can be burned directly in engines • Can be converted into synthetic liquid fuels • Uses variety of materials such as • Biomass • Organic waste. • Produces clean-burning fuels • Biomass gasification is carbon neutral • Biomass gasification is a renewable energy Gasification Advantages John Nowatzki Ag & Biosystems Engineering dept. North Dakota State University John.Nowatzki@ndsu.edu

3. Economics? • Biomass materials are often dispersed & difficult to collect • Bulky to transport to processing facility. • Gasifiers require modification for different biomass materials • Gasifiers operate at high temperatures • Syngas is best used onsite • Can contain materials that condense when cooled Gasification Disadvantages John Nowatzki Ag & Biosystems Engineering dept. North Dakota State University John.Nowatzki@ndsu.edu

4. I Ton of Grass or Straw Biomass Gasification ~ 24,583 cu ft of Syngas ~ 120 Gallons of Ethanol ~ 3,000 Miles in a Car! John Nowatzki Ag & Biosystems Engineering dept. North Dakota State University John.Nowatzki@ndsu.edu