Modeling strategies via Aspen Plus® for biomass gasification were assessed. Dynamic modeling can be essential in aiding control studies of biomass gasification process using Aspen Dynamics. Model predictive control is a widely recognized optimal controller for biomass gasification.

The thermal decomposition behaviours of palm kernel shells (PKS) under non-isothermal conditions were investigated using the thermogravimetric analyser. A comparison of model-free and model-fitting methods for PKS decomposition was performed. Differential and integral methods used showed an increase in apparent activation energy with the conversion. Besides that, the global single reaction mechanism was evaluated using the reaction order and Sestak-Berggren models. Curve fitting results showed that Sestak-Berggren’s model demonstrated that the PKS pyrolysis mechanism was better than the reaction order model. The components, namely moisture, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin were found to decompose simultaneously. From Kissinger’s method, the average activation energy for devolatilisation, cellulose, and hemicellulose were 24.65 kJ mol⁻¹, 78.98 kJ mol⁻¹, and 183.07 kJ mol⁻¹ , respectively. The decomposition of lignin occurred slowly, with a slower conversion rate in contrast to the hemicellulose and cellulose components.

In biomass gasification, the appropriate prediction of gasification products is one of the most important issues. In this work, a steady state equilibrium model for the pilot -scale circulating fluidized bed by using Aspen Plus is developed. The model is capable of predicting the composition of synthesis gas. The process is simulated in accordance with the fluidized bed gasifier assembly. The simulation represents entire unit operations involve, to process palm kernel shell followed by a series of equilibrium air and steam gasification reactions to obtain adequate Synthesis gas yield. The temperature is varied from 600°C to 700°C while for steam to biomass ratio, it is manipulated from 1.5wt/wt. to 2.5wt/wt. The optimum temperature and steam to biomass ratio is determined in this study