Simulation of Methanol Production from Biomass Gasification in Interconnected Fluidized Beds

Abstract

Simulation of methanol synthesis via H2-rich biomass-derived syngas from biomass gasification in interconnected fluidized beds is carried out, using Aspen Plus software to establish this model. In the case of CaCO3 catalysis, the effects of operating parameters, including gasification temperature and pressure, steam /biomass ratio (S/B), and liquefaction temperature and pressure, on the methanol yield are analyzed. The results are as follows: In the case of CaCO3 catalysis, biomass steam gasification can obtain 82.13% hydrogen-rich gas and when the Cu-based catalyst in China which is composed of 58.1% CuO + 30.06% Al2O3 + 31.7% ZnO + 4.0% H2O is adopted as the methanol synthesis catalyst; the gasification temperature is suggested to be controlled at about 750 °C in the interconnected fluidized beds biomass gasification system with the purpose of methanol production. Furthermore, the gasification pressure is proposed to approach to the ambient pressure and the S/B ratio of 0.4−0.5 operates better. On the optimal operating condition, the maximum of 12.19 mol/(kg biomass (daf)) of methanol yield may be obtained. The research provides useful results for the further study of biomass gasification and methanol synthesis from biomass syngas.