Journal des bioprocédés et des biotechniques

A Simplified Process Engineering Model for Evaluation of Biomass Gasification Performance via Mass/Energy Balances as Modeled Using a Spreadsheet Platform

Abstract

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.