Researchers at TU Wien in Vienna have developed an innovative method to enhance biomass gasification by accurately measuring water vapor in product gases. This breakthrough has significant implications for efficient energy production and chemical manufacturing from waste materials. The findings were published in the journal Energy Conversion and Management: X.
Biomass gasification converts organic waste into valuable gases like hydrogen, methane, and methanol. If these gases are produced efficiently, they can serve as renewable energy sources and chemical feedstocks. Yet, conventional methods for measuring water vapor—a by-product of gasification—have proven inadequate. Knowing the water content is crucial for controlling the gasification process effectively.
Florian Müller, a researcher at TU Wien’s Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Engineering, explained the challenges with traditional infrared measurement techniques. While many gases can be detected using infrared light, water vapor poses a unique problem. Different hydrocarbons in gas mixtures complicate the detection process, as some absorb light at the same wavelengths as water, making it difficult to pinpoint its concentration.
To tackle this issue, Müller collaborated with Michael Jaidl from the Institute of Photonics. They harnessed terahertz radiation from quantum cascade lasers, a novel light source developed at TU Wien, to specifically target water molecules without interference from other gases. Terahertz radiation offers a distinct wavelength that only water absorbs, allowing for precise measurements.
The team successfully designed a compact, portable device capable of measuring water vapor in hot gases. It operates efficiently under varying temperatures and concentrations, mitigating issues linked to fluctuating conditions.
Initial tests using waste wood at TU Wien’s Getreidemarkt campus showed promising results. Jaidl noted that their method produces reliable measurements across a wide range of conditions, allowing for more responsive adjustments in gasification processes.
