TY - JOUR
TI - A computational analysis of operational parameters influencing coal gasification in a lab-scale drop tube gasifier
AU - Kumar Sunel
AU - Wang Zhihua
AU - Wang Shuang
AU - Dwamena-Akenteng Yaw
AU - Jiang Ding
AU - Chen Hao
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2024
VL - 28
IS - 5
SP - 4027
EP - 4039
PT - Article
AB - This study uses a numerical simulation for coal gasification operation in a drop tube gasifier to investigate the effects of wall temperature and oxygen-to-coal ratios on gasification. Coal gasification is an efficient approach to electricity generation, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional coal combustion methods. A 2-D CFD model of the gasifier was employed to perform grid sensitivity analysis and subsequently compute the influences of varying wall temperatures (1000 K, 1250 K, and 1500 K) and oxygen-to-coal ratios (0.6, 0.8, 1, and 1.2) on the temperature profile, syngas composition, and velocity within the gasifier. Temperature profiling within the furnace defined a spectrum of maximum and minimum temperatures, with apex values recorded at 2100 K and lowest values at 1300 K for Cases 12 and 1, respectively. High oxygen-to-coal ratios favored the production of CO2 due to enhanced combustion reactions, whereas lower oxygen-to-coal ratios were conducive to higher yields of CO and H2, essential syngas components. Velocity profiles of particles within the gasifier increased with higher temperatures and oxygen-to-coal ratios, and the maximum velocity was 9 m per second. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into optimizing operational parameters such as wall temperatures and oxygen-to-coal ratios to enhance the performance and efficiency of coal gasification processes in lab-scale gasifiers.