Production of hydrogen and biochar from woody biomass via steam iron process utilizing iron ore concentrate

This project examines a novel method for production of hydrogen and biochar from forestry residues.

The principal idea is an integrated process for polygeneration which uses biomass-derived product gas generated during pyrolysis as feedstock, in a process utilizing the Steam Iron Reaction (SIR), to produce pure hydrogen and concentrated CO2. The reactions would be conducted in two or three interconnected fluidized-bed reactors, depending on site and configuration. Iron ore concentrate particles are used to carry and distribute chemical energy, heat and oxygen through the system.

The concept offers a robust pathway where environmentally benign minerals are used to produce biochar and hydrogen with inherent CO2 capture.

The key activities of the project are

• examination of redox behavior of iron ore fines with raw product gas
• development of novel reactor with counter-current flow pattern
• process design with respect to mass and energy balances and techno-economic analysis.