Catalytic gasification of a Powder River Basin coal

► Na2CO3 is used for catalytic gasification of a PRB coal. ► Na2CO3 was found to be very active during both pyrolysis and gasification steps. ► Na2CO3 can considerably decrease the activation energy of the gasification step. ► The optimal Na2CO3 addition level is about 3wt.%. ► Both shrinking core and random pore models fit the obtained kinetic data. Catalytic gasification of a Wyodak low-sulfur sub-bituminous coal from the Powder River Basin of Wyoming was investigated using an inexpensive catalyst, Na2CO3, widely available in Wyoming. Experiments were performed in an atmospheric pressure fixed-bed laboratory gasifier. The effects of different factors including feed gas composition, catalyst loading and reaction temperature on the associated coal pyrolysis and char gasification were evaluated. Na2CO3 was found to be active during both pyrolysis and gasification steps and it can considerably decrease the activation energy of gasification step. The optimal Na2CO3 addition level is approximately 3wt.%. Shrinking core model and random pore model can be used to fit the kinetic data obtained under both non-catalytic and catalytic conditions.