The Need
Fixed bed chemical looping systems offer operational simplicity and minimal attrition compared to moving bed systems, but they suffer from transient behaviors like feed breakthrough, uneven solid conversion, and coking. These issues compromise efficiency, scalability, and product consistency, limiting their commercial viability for hydrogen production and carbon capture. There is a critical need for advanced operational strategies that ensure uniform conversion, prevent over-reduction, and stabilize reactor performance under dynamic conditions.

The Technology
This invention, developed by OSU researchers, includes a novel suite of dynamic operational strategies for fixed bed redox systems used in chemical looping. It enables precise control of reduction, steam oxidation, and air oxidation steps through a multiple side-feed injection approach, variable flow rates, and real-time monitoring of gas composition and temperature. These strategies mitigate coking, balance heat profiles, and optimize oxygen carrier utilization. The system supports multi-reactor configurations and integrates storage and recycling units to stabilize output and enhance energy efficiency.

Potential Commercial Applications
• Hydrogen production from carbonaceous feedstocks
• Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) systems
• Industrial-scale syngas generation
• Waste-to-energy conversion platforms
• Decarbonized fuel synthesis processes

Benefits/Advantages
• Enables uniform solid and gas conversion across the reactor bed
• Reduces coking and over-reduction of oxygen carriers
• Enhances thermal management and energy efficiency

Also see T2023-061 “Fixed-Bed Redox Chemical Looping
for Clean Energy Syngas and Hydrogen” for an alternative strategy based on top-feed injection.