Interpretation of coal gasification modeling in commercial process analysis simulation codes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to recognize modeling methods for coal combustion and gasification in commercial process analysis codes. Many users have appreciated the reliability of commercial process analysis simulation codes; however, it is necessary to understand the physical meaning and limitations of the modeling results. Modeling of coal gasification phenomena has been embodied in commercial process analysis simulators such as Aspen. Commercial code deals with modeling of the gasification system with a number of reactor blocks supported by the specific code, not as a coal gasifier. However, the primary purpose of using process analysis simulation code is to interpret the whole plant cycle rather than an individual unit such as a gasifier. Equilibrium models of a coal gasifier are generally adopted in the commercial codes, where the method of Gibbs free energy minimization of chemical species is applied at the given temperature and pressure. The equilibrium model of the coal gasifier, RGibbs, in commercial codes provides users with helpful information, such as exit syngas temperature, composition, flow rate, performance of coal gasifier model, etc. with various input and operating conditions. This simulation code is being used to generate simple and fast response of results. Limitations and uncertainties are interpreted in the view of the gasification process, chemical reaction, char reactivity, and reactor geometry. In addition, case studies are introduced with examples. Finally, a way to improve the coal gasifier model is indicated, and a kinetically modified model considering reaction rate is proposed.