Process simulation and optimization of groundnut shell biomass air gasification for hydrogen-enriched syngas production

摘要

In this study, a detailed steady-state equilibrium simulation model was designed using ASPEN Plus software to analyze and assess the efficiency of the groundnut shell biomass air gasification process. The developed model includes three general stages: biomass drying, pyrolysis, and gasification. The predicted results are quite similar to those found in the literature, which is consistent with simulation results being validated against experimental data. The effect of different operating parameters, like the gasification temperature, gasification pressure, and the equivalence ratio (ER), on the syngas composition and H2/CO ratio is investigated using sensitivity analysis. The findings of the sensitivity analysis revealed that raising the temperature preferred H2 and CO production, whereas increasing the pressure has favored CO2 and CH4 production. Increasing the ER value also boosted CO and CO2 yield. Moreover, in an effort to optimize the amount of H2 generated within the process, the sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the simultaneous effect of operational parameters on the molar fraction of H2. To maximize H2 as a desired product, the following operating parameters were achieved: gasification temperature of 894 degrees C, gasification pressure of 1 bar, and ER of 0.05, resulting in an H2 molar fraction of 0.64. (c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.