Research on the underground gasification of lignite through an oxygen enrichment process: insights from experimental study and Aspen Plus process model

Underground coal gasification (UCG) can convert coal resources to high-calorific value syngas, which is important for the exploration of resources and the application of clean coal technology. This study investigated the gasification process of lignite in Heilongjiang Province through an oxygen enrichment approach and examined the impact of the oxygen concentration on the gasification efficiency. Furthermore, a high-fidelity Aspen Plus process model was designed to predict the gasification products of lignite. These findings indicate that the abrupt increase in the gasification temperature and pressure is governed by the concentration of oxygen in the gasification agent. An increased concentration of oxygen results in a higher gasification temperature, thereby influencing the thermodynamic reaction processes within the gasifier. The combustion reaction of lignite transitions into a coke reaction when the oxygen concentration is elevated to 90%. At this time, the relative concentration of CO₂ generated from lignite combustion progressively diminished from 78.33%, while the relative concentrations of H₂ and CO produced through coke reactions gradually increased from 3% and 2.07%, respectively. When the oxygen concentration reaches 100%, the relative contents of H₂ and CO generated through gasification reach their respective maxima, measuring 18.90% and 23.91%. The calorific value attained a peak of 6.65 MJ N⁻¹ m⁻³ simultaneously. Furthermore, the ash yield of lignite may be a critical factor influencing the process of underground coal gasification. The gasification efficiency of lignite near T₆ is suboptimal when the oxygen concentration falls below 100%, potentially attributable to the influence of ash. In summary, lignite in Heilongjiang Province can be effectively developed through underground gasification technology via an oxygen enrichment process. Furthermore, the Aspen Plus model we developed can effectively assist in predicting the products of lignite gasification in Heilongjiang Province.