Modelling and Design of a Refractory Lining for a Biomass Gasification Reactor Fed by a Plasma Torch

Abstract

The biomass gasification process is devoted to the production of electricity from waste and biomass. The gas, obtained by this technique, cannot be used efficiently if it contains tars. A new type of installation has been developed to purify the gas produced by gasification with the help of a plasma torch. There is actually no functioning equivalent and no industrial experience. So it is necessary to define the operating conditions, the design of the reactor and the refractory materials used for the walls. These materials must be chosen wisely to ensure the integrity and durability of the lining, according to the solicitations and the chemical environment inside the reactor. The design and thermal profile of the reactor was determined using computational fluid dynamics. A thermo-chemical simulation was conducted to determine the chemical environment of the reactor. Finally these theoretical data were used to carry out laboratory corrosion tests on different selected refractories in order to determine which one was best suited for this application.