A kinetic-based simulation model of palm kernel shell steam gasification in a circulating fluidized bed using Aspen Plus®: A case study

ABSTRACT

A detailed simulation model for hydrogen production using catalytic steam gasification of palm kernel shell in an atmospheric dual fluidized bed gasifier using an Aspen Plus® simulator is developed. The catalytic adsorbent-based steam gasification of palm kernel shell is studied in a pilot scale dual fluidized bed reactor using coal bottom ash as a catalyst for hydrogen and syngas production. The use of a catalyst along with the adsorbent improved tar cracking and enhanced the hydrogen content of syngas. The effect of temperature and the steam–biomass ratio on hydrogen yield, syngas composition and lower and higher heating values was studied. An increase in steam–biomass ratio enhanced the hydrogen content from 60 to 72 mol%%. The maximum value of hydrogen production, i.e. 72 vol% was achieved at a steam–biomass ratio of 1.7. The use of adsorbent and coal bottom ash had a significant effect on hydrogen and syngas yield. A maximum of 80.1 vol% hydrogen was achieved at a temperature of 650 °C with a 1.25 steam–biomass ratio and 0.07 wt% coal bottom ash.

KEYWORDS:

• Palm kernel shell
• fluidized bed reactor
• gasification
• coal bottom ash

Acknowledgements

This research project is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia under the Research Grant Scheme (FRGS 0153AB- 40) and the University of Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.