Materials issues in black liquor steam reforming/gasification

The material failures in two low-temperature reformer/gasifier systems and the solutions which are to be applied or approaches to be followed to find a solution, are discussed. The process of wood pulping produces steam reforming/gasification of the black liquor which offers potential for more efficient energy recovery, reduction of emissions, and improved safety. Shield and heater tubes from two pulp mills were examined to determine the extent of degradation and to identify the mechanisms responsible for the degradation. Evaluations of the composition of the gas in the reformer vessel or in equivalent locations in pilot scale systems determined that the carbon activity was higher than expected.