A CFD based combustion model of an entrained flow biomass gasifier

This paper contains the description of a detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model developed to simulate the flow and reaction in an entrained flow biomass gasifier. The model is based on the CFX package and represents a powerful tool which can be used in gasifier design and analysis. Biomass particulate is modelled via a Lagrangian approach as it enters the gasifier, releases its Volatiles and finally undergoes gasification. Transport equations are solved for the concentration of CH4, H-2, CO, CO2, H2O and O-2 and heterogeneous reactions between fixed carbon and O-2, CO2 and H2O are modelled. The model provides detailed information on the gas composition and temperature at the outlet and allows different operating scenarios to be examined in an efficient manner. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.