Catalytic ammonia decomposition and tar reduction by a Ni catalyst were stu
died using a feed gas from a pilot-scale pressurized fluidized-bed gasifier
. Tests were conducted in a tubular fixed-bed reactor with a space time of
about 3 s at 800-900 degreesC and 12 atm. Ammonia removals of 35-95% and li
ght tar conversions of 90-95% were observed. The amount of the light hydroc
arbons was found to have a negative effect on the ammonia decomposition. An
ammonia concentration in the fuel gas, gas residence time, and catalytic b
ed temperature also had a significant influence on the ammonia removal effi
ciency. After the catalyst, CO2 and CO approached equilibrium values,but th
e content of H-2 and H2O was lower because of reactions with tar. The heati
ng value of the fuel gas remained the same; The gasification efficiency inc
reased by about 10%, mainly because of catalytic tar cracking. Deactivation
of the catalyst was not observed in the fuel gas containing 50-150 ppm H2S
and about 10 g/Nm(3) tar.