Numerical simulation analysis and orthogonal experiment optimization of the factors affecting plasma gasification of oil-based drilling cuttings

Plasma gasification technology is a harmless and resourceful solid waste treatment method. As a hazardous waste, studying the plasma gasification treatment of oil-based drilling cut-tings has practical significance. Therefore, this paper uses Aspen Plus to establish a plasma gasification model. Based on model validation, the effects of input power, oxygen equivalence ratio, and carrier gas type on the plasma gasification process of oil-based drilling cuttings were discussed. In addition, by designing a quadratic regression orthogonal experiment, a nonlinear quadratic regression equation was established between the three factors of gasification pressure, input power, and equivalence ratio, as well as different gasification indicators, namely gas yield, lower heating value, and gasification efficiency. By solving the equation, it was found that when the gasification power is 70 kW, the gasification pressure is 10 atm, and the equivalence ratio is 0.1, the gas yield reaches its maximum of 0.74 kg/m3; When the gasification power is 15 kW, the gasification pressure is 10 atm, and the equivalence ratio is 0.1, the lower heating value of gas production reaches its maximum of 9.68 MJ/m3; When the gasification power is 15 kW, the gasification pressure is 1 atm, and the equivalence ratio is 0.1, the gasification efficiency reaches its maximum of 37.6%. At the same time, it was found that the influence of gasification pressure, input power, and equivalence ratio on gasification indicators was ranked in descending order as equivalence ratio, input power, and gasification pressure. The above research provides certain reference values for the practical operation of plasma gasification of oil-based drilling cuttings.(c) 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.