Computer Simulation of the Mass and Energy Balance during Gasification of Sugarcane Bagasse

This paper investigated the mass and energy balance of the gasification of sugarcane bagasse using computer simulation. The key parameters and gasifier operating conditions were investigated in order to establish their impact on gas volume and conversion efficiency of the gasification process. The heating value of sugarcane bagasse was measured and found to be 17.8？MJ/kg which was used during calculation of the conversion efficiency of the gasification process. Fuel properties and gasifier design parameters were found to have an impact on conversion efficiency of the gasification process of sugarcane bagasse. The moisture content of sugarcane bagasse was varied by 1.14%, 15%, and 25%, respectively. Optimum conversion efficiency was achieved at low moisture content (1.14%) after computer simulation of the gasification process. The volume of carbon monoxide increased at low moisture content. It was also found that maximum conversion efficiency was achieved at reduced particle diameter (6？cm) and at reduced throat diameter (10？cm) and throat angle (25°), respectively, after these parameters were varied. Temperature of input air was also found to have an impact on the conversion efficiency of the gasification process as conversion efficiency increased slightly with increasing temperature of input air. 1. Introduction Sugarcane bagasse is the residue that results from the crushing of sugarcane. It is generated in large quantities during the processing of sugarcane in the sugar industry. Sugarcane bagasse is mainly burnt inefficiently in boilers that provide the heating for the sugar industry thus the renewed interest in its efficient utilization through an efficient means of conversion such as gasification. The gasification technology remains an old technology that has today reached an advanced stage and hence there is a huge expectation from user industries for its application [1]. Commercial fuels and chemicals have been produced in the past from gasification technologies and current developments show that the use of gasification technologies to produce syngas and other chemicals will continue to be on the rise [2]. For a country like South Africa with its vast agricultural residues such as sugarcane bagasse, it is imperative to have an efficient power generation system. Gasification of sugarcane bagasse is a carbon dioxide emission neutral source of energy and also has the advantage of syngas production. Another advantage of gasification of sugarcane bagasse is the potential to reduce storage and transport cost since the sugarcane bagasse can be used in