CFD modelling of spatiotemporal evolution of detailed tar species in a downdraft gasifier

Salem, A. M. and Paul, M. C. (2023) CFD modelling of spatiotemporal evolution of detailed tar species in a downdraft gasifier. Biomass and Bioenergy, 168, 106656. (doi: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2022.106656)

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Abstract

The rising demand for renewable energy around the world has sparked interest in biomass gasification. However, the technology greatly suffers because of tar species produced during the gasification process, which limits direct use of the produced gas. To address this issue, the paper presents a novel piece of work that focuses on the formation and evolution of tar species consisting of benzene, naphthalene, toluene, and phenol. A two-dimensional numerical model for a downdraft biomass gasifier is developed with a total of 20 thermochemical kinetic reactions to investigate the formation of tar species in the gasifier with the effect of residence time. The model's predictions are validated with the experimental and kinetic data and found to be in good agreement. Besides, the model's ability to simulate the producer gas production from a downdraft gasifier is examined. Reaction rates for volatiles decomposition, combustion, and gasification reactions under different working conditions are investigated. Overall, benzene has the highest concentration of the selected tar species, followed by naphthalene, and with relatively modest amounts of phenol and toluene.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Bioenergy, gasification, tar kinetics, downdraft gasifier, CFD.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Paul, Professor Manosh and Salem, Ahmed Morsy Mostafa
Authors: Salem, A. M., and Paul, M. C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Biomass and Bioenergy
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0961-9534
ISSN (Online):1873-2909
Published Online:25 November 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2023 The Authors
First Published:First published in Biomass and Bioenergy 168:106656
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

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