Evaluation of calcined copper slag as an oxygen carrier for chemical looping gasification of sewage sludge

Chemical looping gasification (CLG) of sewage sludge (SS) using calcined copper slag as an oxygen carrier (OC) represents a novel approach for achieving the comprehensive use of two wastes (SS and copper slag), where the SS is converted into syngas through the oxidation of calcined copper slag. The effect of the calcined temperature on the reactivity of copper slag was first studied. The results show that the copper slag calcined at 1100 °C (1100CS) exhibits excellent performance for SS gasification. Using 1100CS as an OC, the effect of the mass ratio of OC and SS (OC/SS), steam content, oxygen source and cycle number on the SS CLG were investigated in detail in a fixed bed reactor. OC/SS and steam content are determined at 5 and 33.33% for obtaining a relatively high carbon conversion and an acceptable energy recovery during the SS CLG, respectively. The 1100CS is similar to steam, which can provide an oxygen source for SS conversion, and it can catalyze the cracking of tar. The conversion of SS undergoes a slight increase with the cycle number due to the prolongation of the gas-solid mean residence time (Rt) and the deposition of alkali or alkaline earth metals on the surface of the OC particles. Phosphorus eventually appears in the form of water-soluble phosphate during the SS CLG, benefiting its recovery. Thus, CLG with 1100CS as an OC is one of good option for sludge treatment.