Evaluation of Biomass Gasification and Firing Syngas in Lime Kilns Using Advanced Computer Modeling, 2010 TAPPI/PAPTAC International Chemical Recovery Conference

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Converting wood residue in pulp and paper mills into combustible syngas to replace fossil fuels in lime kilns is considered an important strategy for saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Firing wood syngas in kilns requires syngas having a certain high heating value that in turn depends on the design and operation of the gasifier. This paper presents advanced three-dimensional computer modeling of an updraft biomass gasifier. The model allows engineers to verify operation and optimize control parameters for producing high quality syngas. An advanced kiln model is also developed and applied to evaluate the feasibility of firing wood syngas in three different kilns. It is seen that firing syngas with equal total heat input can reduce the product lime availability, however marginally increasing the total heat input can maintain the availability levels. The modeling results indicates that there is potential in some kilns for close to 100% displacement of fossil fuels with syngas derived from low cost and carbon neutral wood residuals.