Dynamic Modeling of Gasification Reactions in Entrained Coal Gasifier

Abstract

Mathematical models for various steps in coal gasification reactions were developed and applied to investigate the effects of operation parameters on dynamic behavior of gasification process. Chemical reactions considered in these models were pyrolysis, volatile combustion, water shift reaction, steam-methane reformation, and char gasification. Kinetics of heterogeneous reactions between char and gaseous agents was based on Random pore model. Momentum balance and Stokes' law were used to estimate the residence time of solid particles (char) in an up-flow reactor. The effects of operation parameters on syngas composition, reaction temperature, carbon conversion were verified. Parameters considered here for this purpose were O2-to-coal mass ratio, pressure of reactor, composition of coal, diameter of char particle. On the basis of these parametric studies some quantitative parameter-response relationships were established from both dynamic and steady-state point of view. Without depending on steady state approximation, the present model can describe both transient and long-time limit behavior of the gasification system and accordingly serve as a proto-type dynamic simulator of coal gasification process. Incorporation of heat transfer through heterogenous boundaries, slag formation and steam generation is under progress and additional refinement of mathematical models to reflect the actual design of commercial gasifiers will be made in the near futureK.