Tar Removal from Gasification/Pyrolysis by Emulsion Liquid Membrane: A Short Overview

Abstract

Tar is among undesirable by-products of producer gas generated from gasification/pyrolysis of biomass. Due to the erosive and corrosive characteristics of tar, a number of tar removal studies have been done. However, considering tar availability in deficient concentration, a highly selective and energy economics method is of importance. Emulsion liquid membrane is a choice of selective and economics method. Some studies on tar removal using emulsion liquid membrane were reported. Information about definition and transport mechanism of emulsion liquid membrane was given. Effects of emulsion formulation on tar removal were described. Effects of some operating conditions in permeation process on tar removal were also presented. The study found that types and concentration of surfactant and diluent as well as emulsification methods need to be properly considered for better result. Whereas permeation speed, volume ratio, and equipment used greatly affect the emulsion breaking and tar removal efficiency. Considering low emulsion breaking, application of Taylor-Couette column as the permeation equipment for further tar removal study is proposed.