Pre-Operational Analysis of a Prototype Downdraft Gasifier Fueled by Bamboo

Abstract

Biomass gasification is a thermochemical conversion process that dates back to the 19th century. Nevertheless, designing and operating a gasifier system is not an easy task. Every biomass feedstock has different characteristics and the gasifier needs to be designed according to those qualities. Hence, many laboratory analyses on bamboo were carried out for this study. This study also concentrates on finding the best possible process variables for a bamboo fueled downdraft gasifier through a sensitivity analysis. A software program called Thermoflex was used for this purpose and the effect of gasifier temperature, air-fuel-ratio, moisture content of the fuel and temperature of pre-heated air on the syngas composition were simulated. The results show that bamboo is a decent gasification feedstock because of its low ash and sulfur content and satisfactory energy value. The simulations reveal that the best gas quality is obtained with the gasifier temperature between 700˚C and 800˚C, A/F-ratio of 1.25 -1.75 and dry basis moisture content between 10% and 15%.

Selection criteria of appropriate bamboo based biomass for thermochemical conversion process

“…The final fuel quality (in terms of its physical and chemical characteristics) is relevant to fuel handling, storage and feeding, as well as to the combustion process itself [12][13][14][15]. Higher value of carbon content and lower value of the volatile matter, moisture, ash, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen content shows better bamboo-based biomass for thermochemical conversion [16][17][18]. Several characteristics affect the performance of biomass fuel, including the heat value, moisture level, chemical composition and size and density of the fuel.…”

“…Several characteristics affect the performance of biomass fuel, including the heat value, moisture level, chemical composition and size and density of the fuel. These characteristics can vary noticeably from fuel to fuel [12,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. In addition, natural variations of a given fuel type can be significant.…”