Hydrogen-rich syngas production via integrated configuration of pyrolysis and air gasification processes of various algal biomass: Process simulation and evaluation using Aspen Plus software

Abstract

Abstract In the present study, hydrogen-rich syngas production via integrated configuration of pyrolysis and air gasification processes of different algal biomass is investigated at relevant industrial condition. A comprehensive steady state equilibrium simulation model is developed using Aspen Plus software, to investigate and evaluate the performance of pyrolysis and air gasification processes of different algal biomass (Algal waste, Chlorella vulgaris, Rhizoclonium sp and Spirogyra). The model can be used as a predictive tool for optimization of the gasifier performance. The developed process consists of three general stages including biomass drying, pyrolysis and gasification. The model validation using reported experimental results for pyrolysis of algal biomass indicated that the predicted results are in good agreement with experimental data. The effect of various operational parameters, such as gasifier temperature, gasifier pressure and air flow rate on the gas product composition and H2/CO was investigated by sensitivity analysis of parameters. The achieved optimal operating condition to maximize the hydrogen and carbon monoxide production as the desirable products were as follows: gasifier temperature of 600\xa0°C, gasifier pressure of 1\xa0atm and air flow rate of 0.01\xa0m3/h.