Modelling a compartmented fluidised bed coal gasifier process using aspen plus

A process model based on the ASPEN PLUS process simulator has been develope d for a novel Compartmented Fluidised Bed Coal Gasifier (CFBCG) process. A distinctive feature of the model is that a number of user-written models ha ve been incorporated within the ASPEN Frame to describe processes of hydrod ynamics, coal combustion and gasification, solid circulation, entrainment a nd elutriation, and particle size distribution in the CFBCG and energy loss to the environment from the reactor. In general, most of the predictions o f the model is in a reasonable agreement with the experimental results. How ever, some unmeasurable operating parameters at hot state in the experiment s lead to some difficulties to verify the model in these instances against real data. Uncertainty related to volatile combustion mechanisms in fluidis ed beds in the literature also influences the model accuracy. Nevertheless the ASPEN based model provides a convenient vehicle for the further develop ment of this new process, by allowing the physical insights into mechanisms , which would be difficult and expensive to investigate experimentally. The simulations indicate that the CFBCG concept is sound and further developme nt is needed to improve the operatibility of the process before practical i mplementation to produce high quality synthesis gas from the CFBCG might be considered.