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Modelling of a Two-Stage Process: Comparison of Different Approaches and Performance Analysis

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Clean Energy from Waste

Part of the book series: Springer Theses ((Springer Theses))

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Abstract

Gasification of solid waste in multiple stage systems has significant potential given the high flexibility and strong policy and technological drivers. Nonetheless, significant ambiguities in the knowledge base of multiple stages processes and their performance are apparent. This Chapter presents a comprehensive comparison of different modelling approaches to describe the behaviour of a two-stage fluid bed gasification—plasma process. The final stage of the assessment is done focusing on the thermodynamic assets of using a two-stage thermal process over the conventional single-stage approach, in order to determine optimum conditions for the gasification of RDF and to understand the limitations and influence of the second stage on the process performance (gas heating value, cold gas efficiency, carbon conversion efficiency), along with other parameters. To this end, a flexible model capable of providing reliable quantitative predictions of product yield and composition after the two-stage process has been developed. Comparison with a different thermal refining stage, i.e. thermal cracking (via partial oxidation) is also performed. The model also helps to predict the behaviour of different waste types and is a useful tool for optimizing the design and operation of the process. The analysis is supported by experimental data from the pilot plant, and provides an overall picture of the process, as well as the main points of interest for the next stages of this research.

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  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom

    Massimiliano Materazzi

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  1. Massimiliano Materazzi
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Correspondence to Massimiliano Materazzi .

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Materazzi, M. (2017). Modelling of a Two-Stage Process: Comparison of Different Approaches and Performance Analysis. In: Clean Energy from Waste. Springer Theses. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46870-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46870-9_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-46869-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-46870-9

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