Validation of MATLAB algorithm to implement a two‑step parallel pyrolysis model for the prediction of maximum %char yield (original) (raw)

A review on the modeling and validation of biomass pyrolysis with a focus on product yield and composition

Biofuel Research Journal

Modeling is regarded as a suitable tool to improve biomass pyrolysis in terms of efficiency, product yield, and controllability. However, it is crucial to develop advanced models to estimate products' yield and composition as functions of biomass type/characteristics and process conditions. Despite many developed models, most of them suffer from insufficient validation due to the complexity in determining the chemical compounds and their quantity. To this end, the present paper reviewed the modeling and verification of products derived from biomass pyrolysis. Besides, the possible solutions towards more accurate modeling of biomass pyrolysis were discussed. First of all, the paper commenced reviewing current models and validating methods of biomass pyrolysis. Afterward, the influences of biomass characteristics, particle size, and heat transfer on biomass pyrolysis, particle motion, reaction kinetics, product prediction, experimental validation, current gas sensors, and potentia...

Analysis of Biomass Pyrolysis Product Yield Distribution in Thermally Thin Regime at Different Heating Rates

Mathematical Theory and Modeling, 2013

A better understanding of biomass pyrolysis process at various thermal regimes is fundamental to the optimization of biomass thermochemical conversion processes. In this research work, the behaviour of biomass pyrolysis in thermally thin regime was numerically investigated at different heating rates (1, 5, 10 and 20 K/s). A kinetic model, consisting of five ordinary differential equations, was used to simulate the pyrolysis process. The model equations were coupled and simultaneously solved by using fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The concentrations of the biomass sample (Maple wood) and product species per time were simulated. Findings revealed that tar yield increased with increase in heating rate. Char yield, however, decreased with increase in heating rate. Results also showed that the extent of secondary reactions, which influenced gas yield concentration, is a function of residence time and temperature. This model can be adopted for any biomass material when the kinetic parameters of the material are known.

Experimental and Modelling Studies of Biomass Pyrolysis

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2012

The analysis on the feedstock pyrolysis characteristic and the impacts of process parameters on pyrolysis outcomes can assist in the designing, operating and optimizing pyrolysis processes. This work aims to utilize both experimental and modelling approaches to perform the analysis on three biomass feedstocks wood sawdust, bamboo shred and Jatropha Curcas seed cake residue, and to provide insights for the design and operation of pyrolysis processes. For the experimental part, the study investigated the effect of heating rate, final pyrolysis temperature and sample size on pyrolysis using common thermal analysis techniques. For the modelling part, a transient mathematical model that integrates the feedstock characteristic from the experimental study was used to simulate the pyrolysis progress of selected biomass feedstock particles for reactor scenarios. The model composes of several sub-models that describe pyrolysis kinetic and heat flow, particle heat transfer, particle shrinking and reactor operation. With better understanding of the effects of process conditions and feedstock characteristics on pyrolysis through both experimental and modelling studies, this work discusses on the considerations of and interrelation between feedstock size, pyrolysis energy usage, processing time and product quality for the design and operation of pyrolysis processes.

A robust and frugal model of biomass pyrolysis in the range 100–800 °C: Inverse analysis of DAEM parameters, validation on static tests and determination of heats of reaction

Fuel, 2021

This paper presents a robust and frugal Distributed Activation Energy Model to simulate pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass (spruce and poplar) over a wide range of temperature and residence time. The learning database consists of dynamic TGA-DSC experiments performed up to 800 • C at four heating rates (1, 2, 5 and 10 K/min). By employing one non-symmetrical distribution, three distributions and only 9 independent parameters were needed to correctly fit the experimental data: a Gaussian distribution for hemicelluloses, a Gaussian function degenerated into a Dirac function for cellulose and a gamma function degenerated into an exponential function for lignins. The robustness of the model was successfully validated with 2-h isothermal tests (250 • C to 500 • C with increments of 50 • C). The heats of reaction were determined using the heat flux measured under fast dynamic conditions, thus reducing the crucial problem of baseline drift. The prediction potential of the model is highlighted by two examples: pathway in the Van Krevelen's diagram and control of the temperature rise to limit the heat source due to reactions. The model equations, the discretization and computational implementation, as well as the complete set of model parameters are presented in great detail, so that the reader can use them for process modelling, including the crucial concern of thermal runaway occurring in large particles or packed beds.

Characterization and prediction of biomass pyrolysis products

Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 2011

In this study some literature data on the pyrolysis characteristics of biomass under inert atmosphere were structured and analyzed, constituting a guide to the conversion behavior of a fuel particle within the temperature range of 200e1000 C. Data is presented for both pyrolytic product distribution (yields of char, total liquids, water, total gas and individual gas species) and properties (elemental composition and heating value) showing clear dependencies on peak temperature. Empirical relationships are derived from the collected data, over a wide range of pyrolysis conditions and considering a variety of fuels, including relations between the yields of gas-phase volatiles and thermochemical properties of char, tar and gas. An empirical model for the stoichiometry of biomass pyrolysis is presented, where empirical parameters are introduced to close the conservation equations describing the process. The composition of pyrolytic volatiles is described by means of a relevant number of species: H 2 O, tar, CO 2 , CO, H 2 , CH 4 and other light hydrocarbons. The model is here primarily used as a tool in the analysis of the general trends of biomass pyrolysis, enabling also to verify the consistency of the collected data. Comparison of model results with the literature data shows that the information on product properties is well correlated with the one on product distribution. The prediction capability of the model is briefly addressed, with the results showing that the yields of volatiles released from a specific biomass are predicted with a reasonable accuracy. Particle models of the type presented in this study can be useful as a submodel in comprehensive reactor models simulating pyrolysis, gasification or combustion processes.

Biomass Fast Pyrolysis: Experimental Analysis and Modeling Approach †

Energy & Fuels, 2010

A single particle model able to predict the evolution of the products yields during biomass fast pyrolysis is developed. Mass balances equations based on a kinetic scheme of solid phase pyrolysis are coupled to heat transfer phenomena. This model is solved by the finite volume method. The model results are compared to experimental data obtained in an image furnace where biomass pellets are submitted to a controlled and concentrated radiation. Heat fluxes used are similar to those encountered in fluidized bed (0.2 -0.8 x 10 6 W.m -2 ). The comparison between the experimental and simulated data shows that the model correctly simulates the time-evolution of the products formation, but the kinetic parameters should be optimized in order to represent precisely the final products yields.

Development and Comparison of Thermodynamic Equilibrium and Kinetic Approaches for Biomass Pyrolysis Modeling

Energies

Biomass pyrolysis is considered as a thermochemical conversion system that is performed under oxygen-depleted conditions. A large body of literature exists in which thermodynamic equilibrium (TE) and kinetic approaches have been applied to predict pyrolysis products. However, the reliability, accuracy and predictive power of both modeling approaches is an area of concern. To address these concerns, in this paper, two new simulation models based on the TE and kinetic approaches are developed using Aspen Plus, to analyze the performance of each approach. Subsequently, the results of two models are compared with modeling and experimental results available in the literature. The comparison shows that, on the one hand, the performance of the TE approach is not satisfactory and cannot be used as an effective way for pyrolysis modeling. On the other hand, the results generated by the new model based on the kinetic approach suggests that this approach is suitable for modeling biomass pyroly...

Numerical and experimental modelling of biomass pyrolysis with the depollution of pyrolysis products

Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and global thermochemical modelling are used to solve numerically pyrolysis, combustion and heat recuperation in a pilot plant of biomass pyrolysis using pyrolysis products as fuel. Obtained results are validated with experimental measurements. In the case of FDS modelling, three different treatments of radiation are considered: without radiation, with gray gas radiation and with non gray gas radiation. The results of numerical simulations are compared with the global model results and with the experimental results. It was shown that the FDS results are in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experimental results. The global model gives qualitative results in agreement with experimental results with less CPU time compared with FDS results. Whereas FDS results are more accurate than those of the global model. At the end of the process FDS results are better than global model results this is due to the fact that global model doesn't take into account the thermal inertia of the pilot plant. The global model is used to study the racing reaction in the pilot plant and to study the case with and without catalyser. FDS is used to predict CO and CO2 emissions. The effect of the non gray gas behaviour is emphasised and demonstrated to affect pollutant emissions.

Modelling of Biomass Pyrolysis

2015

Pyrolysis is an essential preliminary step in a gasifier. The first step in modelling the pyrolysis process of biomass is creating a model for the chemical processes taking place. This model should describe the used fuel, the reactions taking place and the products created in the process. The numerous different polymers present in the organic fraction of the fuel are generally divided in three main groups. So, the multistep kinetic model of biomass pyrolysis is based on conventional multistep devolatilization models of the three main biomass components - cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Numerical simulations have been conducted in order to estimate the influence of the heating rate and the temperature of pyrolysis on the content of the virgin biomass, active biomass, liquid, solid and gaseous phases at any moment.