Modeling biomass gasification system using multistep kinetics under various oxygen–steam conditions
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Iowa State University 2025 Black Engineering Building Ames IA 50011
Biomass gasification is an effective method to convert low‐value lingocellulosic biomass into useful gas products. The ability to predict the gas composition is important to process design. In this study, simulations of biomass gasification were carried out for various feedstocks at different operating conditions, and the model results were validated using experimental data. A multistep kinetics model was developed to predict the syngas composition using different biomass feedstocks under various oxygen‐enriched air and steam conditions. The oxygen level in the gasifying agent ranged from 21% (air) to 45% (pure oxygen). Five different biomass materials were used, including pine, maple–oak mixture, seed corn, corn stover, and switchgrass. The fluidized bed gasifier was maintained at 800°C. The present kinetics model was able to predict the concentrations of H 2 , CO, CO 2 , H 2 O, CH 4 , and N 2 in the syngas, and the predicted compositions were in good agreement with the experimental data. The results show that the model was sensitive to the variation in the oxygen level, steam flow rate, and the composition of the biomass material. As the oxygen level increased, the model also predicted the increase in H 2 , CO, CH 4 , and the H 2 /CO ratio. The mechanism on improving the syngas quality was also explained by analyzing the reaction equations. The increase in hydrogen is believed to be due to the use of steam for gasification. The present model can further be integrated into the process simulation model for predicting the performance of a biorefinery to help utilize biomass energy. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1148–1155, 2015
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Grant/Contract Number:
- EE0002745
- OSTI ID:
- 1400696
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, Journal Name: Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 34; ISSN 1944-7442
- Publisher:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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