Catalytic conversion of model compounds of biomass tar

Using benzene and toluene as model compounds of biomass tar, the effect of temperature, steam content and space velocity on catalytic conversion were investigated in a fixed bed reactor over dolomite and cordierite catalyst. The results indicate that the conversion rate is improved with increasing temperature and decreasing space velocity. At 900℃, the conversion of toluene over cordierite and dolomite catalyst could reach 95%, using a molar ratio of steam/carbon (S/C mol ratio) equal to 1.5. At the same reaction temperature, the conversion of benzene over cordierite and dolomite catalyst could reach 61% and 53% separately, using a molar ratio of S/C mol ratio equal to 1.0. High steam content is favorable to adjust gas component. Stability experiment indicates that coke deposition is the key reason for catalyst deactivation.