Process Simulation of Municipal Solid Waste Derived Pellet Gasification for Fuel Production

Abstract

This investigation proposes a model of syngas creation from Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Pellet gasification with air in fixed bed reactor. The model (utilizing Aspen Plus process simulation software) is utilized to model the anticipated results of RDF gasification and to give some processes fundamentals concerning syngas generation from RDF gasification. The fixed bed reactors is an updraft fixed bed reactor which can be divided into 3 sections n (devolatilization, partial oxidation, and steam reforming). The model is based on a combination of modules that the Aspen Plus simulator provides, representing the three stages of gasification. Thermodynamics package used in the simulation comprised the Non- Random Two-Liquid (NRTL) model. The model works on the principle of Gibbs free energy minimization and was validated with experimental data of MSW gasification found in literature. The RYield module was combined with the RGibbs module to describe pyrolysis section, while the RGibbs module was used for the gasification section individually. Proximate and ultimate analysis of RDF pellets and operating conditions used in the model are discussed. The sensitivity analysis module of Aspen Plus was used to research the effect of air equivalence ratio ER and temperature value on the syngas composition, and carbon conversion The results indicate that higher temperature improves gasification as the composition of H2 and CO increase, as well as carbon conversion, until a temperature of 900°C, and higher air equivalence ratio increases the carbon conversion while decreasing syngas quality as there is an increase in CO2 and H. Results obtained are in good agreement of experimentally measured data in literature.