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Dipl. Ing. Matthias Mayerhofer Technische Universität München ...

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22 Nickel Based Catalysts<br />

Disadvantages:<br />

The main problem that renders these catalysts difficult to be used widely is that they are easily<br />

deactivated if they are used repeatedly in high temperature. Used nickel catalysts are toxic, so their<br />

disposal is a potential environmental problem (Dayton,2002).<br />

One of the most important reasons for their deactivation is fouling due to physical blockage by<br />

coke. They can also be easily poisoned by sulfur compound for operating temperatures below 900<br />

°C. Sintering at high temperatures is also a common, which reduces the catalyst activity<br />

(Rönkkönen,2011b).<br />

Regarding mechanical deactivation, attrition causes the loss of the active surface area through<br />

crushing. Besides, they are expensive, so long lifetime is required (Abu El-Rub,2004), (Pfeifer,2008).<br />

Therefore their use is not recommended for in-situ use because Ni-based catalysts become<br />

quickly deactivated, as coke built up is more rapid inside the gasifier.<br />

Types of Ni-based Catalysts (Corella,2004):<br />

a) Commercial particulate-shaped catalysts (rings, spheres, pellets, extrudates) that require<br />

particulate-free fuel gas.<br />

b) Un-commercialized monoliths (honeycomb structure) that have been not studied thoroughly.<br />

Further investigation would be interesting as it has been reported that can operate with fuel gas<br />

containing particulates, avoiding the use of filters, though they are noted very active, have a high<br />

cost and their technology is difficult. They also have to operate in adiabatic form<br />

(Rönkkönen,2011b).<br />

The most practical catalyst structure should probable be a honeycomb monolith catalyst. In this<br />

type the pore diffusion resistances are much smaller than in the pellet catalysts. Additional Characteristics<br />

of Ni-catalysts are proved through tests, such as the fact that all the components of the gas<br />

utilize the same active nickel sites on the catalyst surface. Also it has been reported that the pressure<br />

drop is lower for shapes with internal holes (Hepola,1997a).<br />

According to some tests that were realized (Aznar,1993) the particle size of the catalyst gas also<br />

affects slightly its effectiveness. As the diameter of the particle decreased, less tar yield and more<br />

gas yield were obtained in the outlet gas due to a slight diffusion control for dp> 1.6 mm. In addition,<br />

with the increase of particle size more carbon is being deposited (Rönkkönen,2011b).3.1 Deactivation<br />

Causes of Ni-based Catalysts<br />

The activity of a catalyst is very crucial in order to be widely applied in the industry. Three are the<br />

most common reason which causes low activity.<br />

3.1.1 Sulfur poisoning<br />

Sulfur is adsorbed on the surface and the steam reforming reactions can no longer occur so the<br />

catalyst is deactivated, as seen below in Figure 11. Sulfur may cause significant deactivation even<br />

at very low concentrations, due to the formation of strong metal-S bonds.<br />

Figure 11: Sulfur poisoning of Ni-based catalysts<br />

http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk/JohnsonMatthey/page21.htm<br />

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