Peering Into Supercritical-Water Biomass Gasification with Neutron Radiography

Hydrothermal technologies have shown promise as high-efficiency means of converting lignocellulosic feedstocks into conventional fuels. In particular, supercritical-water gasification (SCWG) processes have been demonstrated to achieve 99% gasification of woody biomass to methane and hydrogen gases, although many challenges remain to develop commercializable processes. An obstacle to process development and understanding is due to the robust materials requirements necessary to contain the high-temperature, high-pressure reactive mixture involved with SCWG, which hinders the ability to observe the dynamics within process vessels. In this paper, we will report on our use of neutron radiography to visualize the performance of equipment within SCWG, and how the use of this tool can lead to more effective process design for biomass gasification.