EUBCE 2026 - Surika VAN WYK - Distribution of Biogenic Carbon During the Gasification of Mixed Carbon Streams

Distribution of Biogenic Carbon During the Gasification of Mixed Carbon Streams

Short Introductive summary

Refused-derived fuel (RDF) is composed of both biogenic and fossil-based materials and is a promising feedstock for gasification aimed at methanol production. In addition to methanol (from syngas), the process yields valuable chemicals such as benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) as well as CO2. Fuels and chemicals produced from biogenic carbon are classified as renewable fuels, however determining of the origin of the carbon content in mixed fuels remains challenging. Knowledge on the carbon distribution is essential for carbon accounting, certification and regulatory compliance. In this study the distribution of the biogenic and fossil-based carbon of both feedstock and gasification products (methanol, BTX and CO2) was experimentally determined. Various real waste streams were processed in an in-house gasifier coupled with downstream gas cleaning and upgrading units to retrieve methanol, BTX and CO2 samples for carbon dating analysis. From the analysis, the carbon distribution across the gasification products were determined and provided insights which contributes to more transparent carbon accounting and support the development of certified renewable fuels and chemicals.

S. van Wyk, TNO Energy Transitions, Petten, THE NETHERLANDS
P.M.R. Abelha, TNO Energy Transitions, Petten, THE NETHERLANDS
B.J. Vreugdenhil, TNO Energy Transitions, Petten, THE NETHERLANDS