Work

Tailored syngas production from Bio-Oil with CO2 Valorization: A thermodynamic approach of coupled steam and dry reforming units

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Coupled SR + DR units optimize syngas yield from bio-oil and CO 2 valorization. • Independent control of SR and DR conditions enhances process flexibility. • Configurations enable tailored H 2 /CO ratios for diverse industrial applications. • The SR + DR strategy reduces CO 2 emissions by up to 66 % vs. conventional SR. • The SR + DR system offers a sustainable pathway for carbon–neutral syngas production. This study explores a novel thermodynamic approach for syngas production from bio-oil by coupling steam reforming (SR) and dry reforming (DR) units. The proposed strategy minimizes CO 2 emissions compared to conventional SR by utilizing CO 2 as a reactant, enhancing process sustainability while enabling the production of syngas with customizable H 2 /CO ratios. Thermodynamic calculations conducted with AVEVA Pro/II software demonstrate that the coupled (SR+DR) configuration allows independent optimization of SR and DR unit conditions, including temperature and bio-oil feed distribution. This flexibility facilitates tailored syngas compositions for industrial applications such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, methanation, methanol production, and ammonia synthesis. For a target H 2 /CO ratio of 2, the optimal (1 SR+1 DR) configuration achieved syngas yields of 89–95 % and CO 2 conversion in the DR unit of 24–31 %. For a target H 2 /CO ratio of 3, the (1.5 SR+0.5 DR) configuration demonstrated higher syngas yields (92–94 %), although at the expense of lower CO 2 conversion (14–17 %). Moreover, compared to conventional SR, the coupled SR+DR strategy achieves reductions in CO 2 emissions up to 66 % for syngas with an H 2 /CO ratio of 2 and 38 % for an H 2 /CO ratio of 3. The results position the coupled (SR+DR) strategy as a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative for bio-oil valorization, paving the way for carbon–neutral syngas production and its potential industrial implementation.

Source: Energy Conversion and Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2025.119830

Authors: Beatriz Valle, Leire Landa, José Valecillos, Aingeru Remiro, Ana G. Gayubo

Institution: University of the Basque Country

Language: English

Topic: Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,600