John L Guillory, Prashanth R Buchireddy, Stanislav O Barskov and Mark E Zappi*
This paper documents a simplified process model developed in connection with the Biomass Gasification Development program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The numerical solution to the set of non-linear simultaneous equations arising from the analysis was implemented using the “Solver” feature of MS Excel®. It is designed to provide a rational first-pass basis for reactor sizing and process equipment selection yet is accessible and readily modifiable by a process engineer with an average programming background. The results follow trends with respect to the important variables (temperature, feedstock composition, etc.) in general agreement with experimental data reported for well-mixed, relatively isothermal reactors such as bubbling and circulating fluidized beds. The model generally overestimates the quantitative H2/CO ratio reported for most gasifiers which results in an underestimation of the product density. However, this does not appear to have a strong influence on energy factors (e.g., the gasifier chemical energy efficiency) and is considered sufficiently accurate for initial design and selection of gasification system components.
PDFShare this article
Journal of Bioprocessing & Biotechniques received 3351 citations as per Google Scholar report
