3D computational fluid dynamics simulation of natural coke steam gasification in general and improved fluidized beds

The thermal characteristics of natural coke steam gasification in a fluidized bed were three-dimensionally (3D) simulated based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method using Fluent code. Comparison analysis was first carried out between simulation results and reported experimental data. Gas composition, gas heating value, as well as carbon conversion rate were involved. A satisfying agreement verified good applicability of the established models in simulating this gasification process. Furthermore, an improved fluidized bed was simulated, which was built to solve a blockage problem of the sieve plate in a general fluidized bed. Results showed an increase in the effective gas composition by 1.42% from 77.58% to 79%. Gas composition distributions showed its advantage, low CO2 production. Moreover, better flow pattern pointed to the superiority of the improved one in this process. In summary, the establishment of the numerical model in this work has a significant reference value for further design, optimization, and scale-up of natural coke gasification technology