A generic input–output approach in developing and optimizing an Aspen plus steam-gasification model for biomass

Steam-gasification is drawing great interests as it yields higher H₂ in syngas than any other gasification process. In this article, an equilibrium steam-gasification model developed in Aspen plus has been presented. The effect of the major input variables along with their synchronized effects on the response variables i.e., cold gas efficiency (CGE) and lower heating value (LHV) have been performed. Steam-gasification process optimization has been carried out employing response surface methodology (RSM) considering wide variety of biomass to get the best possible outcomes. The generic relations for both CGE and LHV as response variables have also been framed from obtained individual relations to estimate the response variables for considered biomass feeds at optimum operating conditions. The analysis reveals that the optimum response is obtained having almost 100% desirability (D) at the optimum operating condition (steam to biomass ratio of 0.7 and gasification temperature between 780 and 790 °C) of the steam-gasification model.