Generic gasifier modelling : evaluating model by gasifier type

Abstract

There are many different types of gasifiers used for commercial or research purposes. These gasifier varieties differ in a number of ways, such as the direction of material flow or the physical chemical contact between the different species. These differences affect the modelling procedure and philosophy required to describe the gasification processes accurately. Honeywell wishes to incorporate a generic gasifier model into their UNISIM DESIGN engine to simulate gasifiers accurately and calculate certain properties. Such a model does however not yet exist. Presented in this document is a summary of the similarities and mutual properties among the different coal gasifiers, which allow for certain generic modelling procedures to be followed. The paper also highlights the discrepancies among these gasifiers and the areas where different modelling approaches should be followed. Apart from the specific gasifier characteristics, the phenomena of reaction kinetics, heat transfer and mass transfer were also investigated to ascertain their significance on gasifiers and specifically gasifier modelling. By following the guidelines provided in this paper, it should be possible to develop a generic gasifier model in any modelling environment.