Mathematical Modeling of a Single-Stage, Downward-Firing, Entrained-Flow Gasifier

Abstract

Gasifiers are the centerpieces of coal-fired integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants. Mathematical models of gasifiers have been developed in recent literature to describe the physical and chemical processes taking place inside the reactor vessels. These models range from simple one-dimensional (1D) steady-state equilibrium models to higher-order, sophisticated, dynamic 2D and 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models that describe coupled gas–solid hydrodynamics, heat and mass transfer, and reaction kinetics over the complex gasifier geometry. In the current work, a 1D steady-state model of a single-stage, downward-firing, oxygen-blown, slurry-fed, entrained-flow gasifier has been developed for use in the context of IGCC process simulation. In this mathematical model, mass, momentum, and energy balance equations for solid and gas phases are considered. The model includes a number of heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reactions along with devolatilization and drying of the slurry feed....