Kinetic modelling of the gas-phase water oxidation of light hydrocarbons

The conversion of solid and liquid fuels to gas, whenever possible, is an important way for improving the efficiency and cleanness of processes. This paper presents the kinetic modelling of the water oxidation of light hydrocarbons in the gas phase at 500 °C with mixtures of heptane and water in different amounts. The aim of the work was to find information about kinetics of the homogeneous chemical reactions which take place in the gas phase during the biomass processing, particularly pyrolysis, performed with water steam as the oxidizing reactant. The experimental data here used were obtained by a continuous stainless steel reactor placed inside a heated muffle oven and maintained at a constant temperature. The gaseous product, after separation of the condensable components, was analysed by an in-line gas chromatograph. The apparatus showed to be effective for future operations with different experimental conditions (temperature and feed). The obtained data will be integrated with those coming from parallel studies about the biomass wet pyrolysis for gas production.