Pilot-scale biomass gasification system for hydrogen production from palm kernel shell (part A): steady-state simulation

Hydrogen (H2) production via biomass gasification has demonstrated to be a viable method to obtain environmental-friendly fuel. In this paper, steady-state modeling of palm kernel shell (PKS) steam gasification pilot-plant is developed and validated using experimental data. The process optimization study for the gasification of PKS utilizing the coal bottom ash as a catalyst is conducted in the continuous advanced fluidized bed technology pilot-scale gasification plant to determine the optimum conditions to produce maximum H2 and syngas composition. The optimum conditions for maximum H2 and syngas composition are a temperature of 625 °C, PKS particle size of 1–2 mm, and coal bottom ash to PKS percentage of 7.5 %. The optimum operating condition results are then validated in the pilot-scale gasification system. Steady-state simulation of the pilot scale biomass gasification plant is then developed using Aspen Plus® and validated using the experimental data.