Unlocking the potential of date palm waste for syngas and methanol production: Process simulation and optimization

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of utilizing date palm waste as a sustainable feedstock for gasification and methanol production while aiming to optimize the process parameters for enhanced efficiency. The approach employed in this research involves the utilization of Aspen Plus simulation software to model both the gasification and methanol synthesis processes. The model accounts for various operating parameters, including the steam to biomass ratio and gasification temperature, to comprehensively assess their impact on the product gas composition. Furthermore, the Aspen Plus model's accuracy is validated through the comparison of its predictions with experimental data obtained from literature sources. Key findings from this study indicate that the optimal conditions for steam gasification of date palm waste are achieved at a steam to biomass ratio of 0.9 and a gasification temperature of 800 °C. Under these conditions, the resulting syngas composition comprises 58.38% hydrogen (H2) and 24.21% carbon monoxide (CO). Additionally, the study reveals that the ideal conditions for methanol synthesis involve operating at a pressure of 50 bar and a temperature of 220 °C, resulting in a methanol Production capacity of 368.98 kg/h. The findings of this study hold significant promise and satisfaction for real-world applications, particularly in the context of the three demonstrators currently under construction as part of the “REFFECT AFRICA” project.