Modular H2 Separation System for Biomass Gasification

Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed
With the current move towards a net-zero carbon economy, “green” hydrogen production from
gasification of inexpensive carbonaceous feed stocks such as coal wastes and biomass will
have an increasing role to play. Combined use of the underutilized feedstocks such as coal
fines and biomass, in modular gasification-based processes integrated with hydrogen
production and carbon capture, will enable a net-zero or net-negative carbon footprint.
However, such modular gasification processes will require the hydrogen separation processes
to operate with high efficiency and at lower operating pressures than are typically used in
traditional steam methane reforming processes.
General statement of how this problem is being addressed.
TDA Research, Inc. proposes to develop a highly efficient modular hydrogen separation process
that can efficiently separate the carbon from the hydrogen in the synthesis gas generated by the
gasification of coal fines and biomass to produce “green” hydrogen that has negative carbon
emissions. TDA’s proposed process uses next generation adsorbents to remove carbon dioxide
and carbon monoxide (which can be sent for storage or utilization) to produce the high purity
hydrogen in a modular pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process.
What is to be done in Phase I?
Our specific Phase I objectives are to complete the laboratory scale proof-of-concept
demonstration of the modular hydrogen separation process and complete a detailed process
design and techno-economic feasibility and life cycle analysis to show the merits of the
proposed technology.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits
There is a large commercial market for the hydrogen PSA processes, and the CO2 and CO
sorbents developed here for use in “green” hydrogen production with negative carbon foot print
from coal waste/biomass gasification and steam methane reforming plants will find both
immediate use in today’s hydrogen plants and in tomorrow’s far more environmentally friendly
waste and biomass powered “green” plants.