Assessment of a detailed biomass pyrolysis kinetic scheme in multiscale simulations of a single-particle pyrolyzer and a pilot-scale entrained flow pyrolyzer

Gao, Xi; Lu, Liqiang; Shahnam, Mehrdad; Rogers, William A.; Smith, Kenneth Michael; Gaston, Katherine R.; Robichaud, David J.; Pecha, M. Brennan; Crowley, Meagan F.; Ciesielski, Peter N.; Debiagi, Paulo; Faravelli, Tiziano; Wiggins, Gavin; Finney, Charles E. A.; Parks, James E.

doi:10.1016/j.cej.2021.129347

Cited by 44 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 49 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Two approaches may be utilized for addressing this. The first is using a kinetic reaction scheme with a high ash correction factor, like the work reported by Anca Couce et al 35 The second is better incorporating the realistic physics of biomass and reactive vapors within a pyrolysis reactor by extracting data from a reactor model like that reported by Gao et al 38 The current model assumes complete pyrolysis of the biomass particles, but a reactor scale simulation incorporating hydrodynamics will inform reactor sizing and the possibility of partially converted particles escaping the reactor and contributing to higher char yield. For example, bark starts off with a much lower density than white wood and may be carried out of the reactor before full conversion.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simplified integrated framework for predicting the economic impacts of feedstock variations in a catalytic fast pyrolysis conversion process

Wiatrowski

Dutta

Pecha

et al. 2021

Biofuels Bioprod Bioref

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Feedstock attributes of lignocellulosic biomass, such as particle size, compositional makeup, and moisture content, can vary substantially even within pre-processed materials and have a significant effect on conversion in fast pyrolysis-based processes. However, the economic impacts of these attributes are not well understood. To address this, biomass deconstruction phenomena captured with a versatile particle-scale simulation were linked to techno-economic impacts via reduced-order models. Parametric analysis of the particle-scale model, which was validated using literature data, was used in combination with multiple linear regression models to develop correlations between feedstock attributes and yields of pyrolysis oil, gas, and char. Yields were then correlated with the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) using a techno-economic model, bridging the gap between physics-based biomass conversion simulations and predictions of MFSP for a catalytic fast-pyrolysis process. Empirical correlations derived from the literature regarding the impact of mineral matter (ash) on oil yield were also considered. The model correlations deployed in the integrated framework capture the impacts of variation in feedstock attributes on the MFSP. Variations in ash were shown to have the biggest impact, varying MFSP by −13%/+22% due to catalytic effects and lower relative amounts of convertible lignocellulosic material. It was also found that, if ash can be controlled to low levels, the increased extractives in forest residues can help compensate for some yield losses associated with increased ash. Other inputs considered (particle size, moisture content, and reactor temperature) had relatively negligible effects on process economics within the ranges analyzed considering particle-scale effects alone.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simplified integrated framework for predicting the economic impacts of feedstock variations in a catalytic fast pyrolysis conversion process

Wiatrowski

Dutta

Pecha

et al. 2021

Biofuels Bioprod Bioref

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Gao et al 155 developed a multiscale simulation framework by coupling a 1-D particle-scale model and a shape-resolved SuperDEM-CFD model for a lab-scale biomass pyrolyzer simulation. Later, Gao et al 153 applied the multiscale model for a pilot-scale biomass pyrolyzer by integrating detailed pyrolysis kinetics, a 1-D particle-scale model, and a multiphase particle in cell (MPPIC) reactor model (Figure 7). Recently, Lu et al 156 reactor with a limited number of particles as it is computationally expensive to solve the 3-D particle-scale model for each particle.…”

Section: ■ Mesoscale Modeling Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Multiscale simulation framework for a biomass pyrolyzer by integrating a detailed pyrolysis kinetic mechanism, a particle-scale model, and a reactor-scale model. Adapted with permission from Gao et al Copyright 2021, Elsevier.…”

Section: Mesoscale Modeling Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bridging Scales in Bioenergy and Catalysis: A Review of Mesoscale Modeling Applications, Methods, and Future Directions

et al. 2021

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Between the molecular and reactor scales, which are familiar to the chemical engineering community, lies an intermediate regime, here termed the “mesoscale,” where transport phenomena and reaction kinetics compete on similar time scales. Bioenergy and catalytic processes offer particularly important examples of mesoscale phenomena owing to their multiphase nature and the complex, highly variable porosity characteristic of biomass and many structured catalysts. In this review, we overview applications and methods central to mesoscale modeling as they apply to reaction engineering of biomass conversion and catalytic processing. A brief historical perspective is offered to put recent advances in context. Applications of mesoscale modeling are described, and several specific examples from biomass pyrolysis and catalytic upgrading of bioderived intermediates are highlighted. Methods including reduced order modeling, finite element and finite volume approaches, geometry construction and import, and visualization of simulation results are described; in each category, recent advances, current limitations, and areas for future development are presented. Owing to improved access to high-performance computational resources, advances in algorithm development, and sustained interest in reaction engineering to sustainably meet societal needs, we conclude that a significant upsurge in mesoscale modeling capabilities is on the horizon that will accelerate design, deployment, and optimization of new bioenergy and catalytic technologies.

show abstract

“…Several comprehensive studies have been performed which assess the kinetics and decomposition characteristics of all three components in very fine detail and with varying operational conditions [12][13][14][15]. Most recently, a 1-D single particle pyrolysis kinetics scheme for multi-scale simulations showing excellent agreement with experimental results was proposed [16]. The studies and simulations presented in [17,18] represent some alternative state-of-the-art methods and models available for understanding the mechanistic effects driving the process and final product composition.…”

Section: Pyrolysismentioning

confidence: 99%

SPEAR (Solar Pyrolysis Energy Access Reactor): Theoretical Design and Evaluation of a Small-Scale Low-Cost Pyrolysis Unit for Implementation in Rural Communities

Caputo

Mašek

2021

Energies

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Energy access and waste management are two of the most pressing developmental and environmental issues on a global level to help mitigate the accelerating impacts of climate change. They are particularly relevant in Sub–Saharan Africa where electrification rates are significantly below global averages and rural areas are lacking a formal waste management sector. This paper explores the potential of integrating solar energy into a biomass pyrolysis unit as a potentially synergetic solution to both issues. The full design of a slow pyrolysis batch reactor targeted at biochar production, following a strict cost minimization approach, is presented in light of the relevant considerations. SPEAR is powered using a Cassegrain optics parabolic dish system, integrated into the reactor via a manual tracking system and optically optimized with a Monte-Carlo ray tracing methodology. The design approach employed has led to the development an overall cost efficient system, with the potential to achieve optical efficiencies up 72% under a 1.5° tracking error. The outputs of the system are biochar and electricity, to be used for soil amendment and energy access purposes, respectively. There is potential to pyrolyze a number of agricultural waste streams for the region, producing at least 5 kg of biochar per unit per day depending on the feedstock employed. Financial assessment of SPEAR yields a positive Net Present Value (NPV) in nearly all scenarios evaluated and a reasonable competitiveness with small scale solar for electrification objectives. Finally, SPEAR presents important positive social and environmental externalities and should be feasibly implementable in the region in the near term.

show abstract

Assessment of a detailed biomass pyrolysis kinetic scheme in multiscale simulations of a single-particle pyrolyzer and a pilot-scale entrained flow pyrolyzer

Cited by 44 publications

References 49 publications

A simplified integrated framework for predicting the economic impacts of feedstock variations in a catalytic fast pyrolysis conversion process

A simplified integrated framework for predicting the economic impacts of feedstock variations in a catalytic fast pyrolysis conversion process

Bridging Scales in Bioenergy and Catalysis: A Review of Mesoscale Modeling Applications, Methods, and Future Directions

SPEAR (Solar Pyrolysis Energy Access Reactor): Theoretical Design and Evaluation of a Small-Scale Low-Cost Pyrolysis Unit for Implementation in Rural Communities

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About