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Simulation of Biomass Gasification and Syngas Methanation for Methane Production with H 2 /CO Ratio Adjustment in Aspen Plus

Author

Listed:
  • Suaad Al Zakwani

    (School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • Miloud Ouadi

    (School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • Kazeem Mohammed

    (School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • Robert Steinberger-Wilckens

    (School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

Abstract

In the context of advancing sustainable energy solutions, this paper provides a detailed modelling study of the process integration of biomass gasification to produce syngas and subsequent methanation for methane production. The process is assumed to take place in a circulating fluidised bed and three adiabatic fixed-bed reactors. To address the low H 2 /CO ratio of syngas produced from biomass gasification using air, three pre-methanation scenarios were evaluated: water gas shift reaction (scenario 1), H 2 addition through Power-to-Gas (scenario 2), and splitting syngas into pure H 2 and CO and then recombining them in a 3:1 ratio (scenario 3). The findings reveal that each scenario presents a unique balance of efficiency, decarbonisation potential, and technological integration. Scenario 2 achieves the highest overall efficiency at 62%, highlighting the importance of integrating renewable electricity into the methane industry. Scenario 1, which incorporates WGS and CO 2 capture, offers an environmentally friendly solution with an overall efficiency of 59%. In contrast, Scenario 3, involving H 2 /CO separation and recombination, achieves only 44.4% efficiency due to energy losses during separation, despite its operational simplicity. Methane yields were highest in Scenario 1, while Scenario 2 offers the most significant potential for integration with decarbonised power systems. The model was validated using published data and feedstock characteristics from experimental work and industrial projects. The results showed good agreement and supported the accuracy of the simulation in reflecting realistic biomass processing for methane production.

Suggested Citation

  • Suaad Al Zakwani & Miloud Ouadi & Kazeem Mohammed & Robert Steinberger-Wilckens, 2025. "Simulation of Biomass Gasification and Syngas Methanation for Methane Production with H 2 /CO Ratio Adjustment in Aspen Plus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:16:p:4319-:d:1724131
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Er-rbib, Hanaâ & Bouallou, Chakib, 2014. "Modeling and simulation of CO methanation process for renewable electricity storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 81-88.
    2. Giakoumis, Evangelos G., 2018. "Analysis of 22 vegetable oils’ physico-chemical properties and fatty acid composition on a statistical basis, and correlation with the degree of unsaturation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 403-419.
    3. Ajaree Suwatthikul & Siripong Limprachaya & Paisan Kittisupakorn & Iqbal Mohammed Mujtaba, 2017. "Simulation of Steam Gasification in a Fluidized Bed Reactor with Energy Self-Sufficient Condition," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-15, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yunong Liu & Xiufen He & Zhongqi Zuo & Lifang Zheng & Li Wang, 2025. "A Novel Integrated System for Coupling an Externally Compressed Air Separation Unit with Liquid Air Energy Storage and Its Performance Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-29, August.

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