Influence of Torrefaction and Pelletizing of Sawdust on the Design Parameters of a Fixed Bed Gasifier

Abstract

Gasification of biomass in fixed bed gasifiers is a well-known technology, with its origins dating back to the beginning of 20th century. It is a technology with good prospects, in terms of small scale, decentralized power co-generation. However, the understanding of the process is still not fully developed. Therefore, assessment of the changes in the design of a gasifier is typically performed with extensive prototyping stage, thus introducing significant cost. This study presents experimental results of gasification of a single pellet and bed of particles of raw and torrefied wood. The procedure can be used for obtaining design parameters of a fixed bed gasifier. Results of two suits of experiments, namely pyrolysis and CO2 gasification are presented. Moreover, results of pyrolysis of pellets are compared against a numerical model, developed for thermally thick particles. Pyrolysis time, predicted by model, was in good agreement with experimental results, despite some differences in the time when half of the initial mass was converted. Conversion times for CO2 gasification were much longer, despite higher temperature of the process, indicating importance of the reduction reactions. Overall, the obtained results could be helpful in developing a complete model of gasification of thermally thick particles in a fixed bed.

The Promotive Effect of Cyanobacteria and Chlorella sp. Foliar Biofertilization on Growth and Metabolic Activities of Willow (Salix viminalis L.) Plants as Feedstock Production, Solid Biofuel and Biochar as C Carrier for Fertilizers via Torrefaction Process

“…The research shows that a temperature of 245 °C during carbonization of Salix viminalis L. biomass for solid biofuel conversion under isothermal conditions is low in comparison to other energy crops [80][81][82].…”

Pine Wood and Sewage Sludge Torrefaction Process for Production Renewable Solid Biofuels and Biochar as Carbon Carrier for Fertilizers

“…As a result of the process, the moisture content of the material decreases, and the calorific value increases. The pelletizing process gives the pine wood fuel properties [5][6][7][8][9]. However, in order to be able to fully use pine wood as fuel, it must be subjected to further technological processes.…”

Entrained-Flow Coal Gasification Process Simulation with the Emphasis on Empirical Char Conversion Models Optimization Procedure

“…This results in continuous research into environmentally benign coal-based technologies. Gasification is one of the most promising technologies for solid fuels since it allows the conversion of solid materials to gas consisting of H 2 , CO, CO 2 , CH 4 , and smaller amounts of different hydrocarbons [4,5]. Production of such gas enables effective implementation of alternative ways of electricity generation (e.g., internal combustion engines, fuel cells, gas turbines) as well as a synthesis of different products (e.g., Fischer-Tropsch process, production of H 2 ).…”