Experimental validation of a multiphase flow model of a lab-scale fluidized-bed gasification unit

This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and computational characterization of a biomass gasification process as a carbon neutral technology for power generation and/or green hydrogen production. With the aim to set and validate a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) multiphase flow simulation model based on the MFiX suite - as a support for the design and optimization of advanced reactors for energy purposes - a wide experimental campaign has been carried out with cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) wood chips in a lab-scale bubbling fluidized-bed gasification unit in different operation modes: pyrolysis, air-blown gasification as well as steam gasification of char. In addition, pyrolysis kinetics have been experimentally assessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This study shows that biomass pyrolysis is characterized by a syngas yield of 0.65-0.66, whereas its gasification allows the production of a syngas (1.73-1.77 Nm(3) per kilogram of fuel) characterized by a lower heating value of about 5 MJ/Nm(3), with a hydrogen concentration between 11.4 and 14.3% by volume (depending on the equivalence ratio). In addition, model used is a good predictive tool that can successfully simulate the process and predict syngas composition with good accuracy, in particular for CO, H-2 and CH4.

Automated summary

This study presents experimental and computational characterization of biomass gasification process for power generation and green hydrogen production. The results show that biomass pyrolysis yields syngas, while gasification produces syngas with accurate predictions for CO, H-2, and CH4 compositions. The model used in the study is an effective predictive tool for simulating the process.