Coupling of a distributed activation energy model with particle simulation for entrained flow pyrolysis of biomass

• Incorporation of distributed activation energy model in biomass particle simulation
• Simulation for entrained flow pyrolysis of biomass
• Assessment of the effect of pyrolysis heat of reaction on model performance
• Comparison with experimental results and literature data

This study evaluated the applicability of the distributed activation energy model (DAEM) while incorporated in a particle model designed for entrained flow pyrolysis of biomass. For that purpose, two types of biomass (spruce sawdust and coconut shell) were pyrolyzed in a thermogravimetric analyzer to obtain the intrinsic kinetic parameters. These kinetic parameters were then incorporated in the particle model. For comparison, entrained flow pyrolysis of those samples was also conducted at different temperatures (1073 and 1273 K) by varying particle size (150–250 μm and 500–600 μm). The modeling results were also compared with the literature data. The prediction using DAEM kinetics was improved when pyrolysis heat of reaction was included in the model. Based on the findings, a method was proposed to use the intrinsic kinetic parameters for particle simulation to determine the conversion profile of biomass pyrolysis under laminar entrained flow condition.