Study of Biomass Steam Gasification

Rohan Malkar, Vishalkumar Waghela, Jaykumar Kappupara, Pranav Desai

Abstract: The world demand for energy is projected to increase by 40% over the course of next 20 years and practically double by 50 years. Gasification is a process that converts organic or fossil based materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. The product obtained is producer gas (CO + Hydrogen) which itself is fuel. Characteristics of steam gasification at high heating rate in a free fall reactor will be investigated. The effect of steam/biomass ratio and reactor temperature on product yields and product gas will be determined. The presence of steam increases the gas yield and reduces the tar and char yields and so does the presence of Dolomite or Limestone when used as a catalyst. The obtained product can be used to produce various efficient biofuels. They are sustainable and low carbon fuels which can replace fossil fuels since liquid fuels primarily are derived today from petroleum. Syngas obtained can be converted to ethanol and methanol. Synthetic diesel can also be derived via Frischer-Tropch synthesis. Villages bear the brunt of electricity shortage. The fuels used for gasification are sawdust, coconut husk, bagasse etc which are readily obtained in their vicinity can be used to produce electricity providing decentralization. The load on the grids can be reduced. The subject is under extensive research all over the world and our project concerns the development of laboratory scale steam gasification unit. It will provide a further scope for improvement, development and research in our college on this concept.