Also available on Youtube.
About This Webinar
Presented by Andrew Kramer of Sungas Renewables at the 2026 Barracuda Virtual Reactor Users’ Conference.
Computational Particle Fluid Dynamics (CPFD) is used to simulate the Process scale-up is challenging. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been shown to accelerate scale-up and commercialization timelines while simultaneously reducing scale-up risk. CFD complements other scale-up tools such as first principals modeling, industrial correlations, cold flow testing, and piloting work. However, just as care must be taken to maximize the applicability of traditional scale-up tools, so also engineers must carefully consider if and how empirical closure models are impacted by scale. In this work Barracuda Virtual Reactor is used to model a biomass gasifier at both pilot and commercial scale. Models were constructed to simulate the gas-particle hydrodynamics, heat transfer, gasification reactions, and evolution of syngas species. The models were calibrated at pilot scale and run under both pilot plant conditions and commercial operating conditions. Results are presented including syngas yield, syngas composition, and fluidization characteristics such as bed density, expansion, and pressure drop. For the pilot scale, results are validated and compared with pilot-unit data. Extension to commercial scale is discussed.
About the Speaker
Andrew Kramer is the Vice President of Technology and Product Development at Sungas Renewables. He has over thirty years experience including previously serving as Director of Gasification at GTI. Andrew has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Tri-State University.