Tutorial Biomass Energy

1. Define combustion process.

Combustion is regarded as the most direct and simplest technology for thermally treating
biomass to produce energy. The main product from direct combustion is heat. The heat
produced is generally used for a subsequent process; to heat up water inside the boiler and to
generate steam for electricity production. Whilst combustion serves flexibility for burning, its
process parameters are difficult to control, and therefore the legislation demands are difficult to
meet, particularly on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx) flue gases emissions.
Dioxins also could possibly be formed if halogens are present.

Incineration/combustion usually involves the combustion of unprepared (raw or residual) MSW.

To allow the combustion to take place a sufficient quantity of oxygen is required to fully oxidise
the fuel. Typically, incineration plant combustion (flame) temperatures are in excess of 850ºC
and the waste is converted into carbon dioxide and water. Any noncombustible materials (e.g.
metals, glass) remain as a solid, known as Bottom Ash, that contains a small amount of residual
carbon

2. Define gasification process.

Gasification basically refers to biomass feedstock that is partially oxidised in an

environment where the oxidising agent such as air, oxygen, or steam is present. Syngas
is the main product which is a type of gas with high energy content containing a mixture
of CO, CO2, H2, and CH4. This gas is an important energy source to be used as fuel or
as a chemical feedstock, and, therefore, is saleable. The normal operating condition for
a gasifier is at temperature around 800ºC-1000ºC and at atmospheric or higher
pressure.

3. Define pyrolysis process.

Pyrolysis is a process where organic matter is thermally degraded in an inert

environment (without oxygen). It is an attractive process which derives three primary
products known as carbonaceous char, liquids, and combustible gases. In general,
pyrolysis occurs at temperatures between 300-800ºC where it can be carried out at
atmospheric, pressurised or vacuum pressure. Additionally, pyrolysis always becomes
the precursor of gasification and combustion. Unlike combustion which is highly
exothermic, pyrolysis is an endothermic process which requires energy input to perform
the operation. This process is of high interests as the product distribution can be
controlled to favour either more char, gas or bio-oil by varying the heating rate and
operating temperature.
4. A landfill is a solid waste disposal method in which discarded materials are buried
between layers of earth in an attempt to reduce public health hazards caused by
decaying refuse. On the other hand, some solid waste, is destroyed using incinerators,
which burn discarded materials into ash. State the advantages and disadvantages of
incineration over landfill.

5. What is the difference between updraft and downdraft gasifiers?

The main difference between downdraft and updraft gasification is that the air and the
fuel flow in the same direction for downdraft; the syngas from this process will tend to
have lower tar content than updraft gasification, however the design for the reactor tends
to be extensive, and small particle size feeds are not converted well.
6. Explain the different stages of combustion when woody biomass is burnt in a combustion
chamber.
7. Outline a table showing comparison of pyrolysis, gasification and combustion processes.

8. What are the major advantages of co-firing biomass with coal in existing coal-fired power
stations?

Co-firing is the combustion of two (or more) different types of materials at the same time. One
of the advantages of co-firing is that an existing plant can be used to burn a new fuel, which may
be cheaper and more environmentally friendly. For example, biomass is sometimes co-fired in
existing coal plants instead of new biomass plants.
9. State THREE (3) main issues of incineration.

The three main issues: (i) air emissions (ii) residual incinerator ash (iii) dioxin
 Air emissions
 The combustion of any substance will generate byproduct emissions that could be
released to the air
 air emissions are usually associated with metals, mercury, lead, cadmium, organics such
as dioxins and furans, acid gases, particulate matter such as dust and grit
 People can be exposed to emissions directly by inhaling contaminated air, ingesting,
having skin contact with contaminated soil and dust.
 can also occur indirectly by eating foods that have been contaminated with these
substances
 Residual incinerator ash
 generates ash representing about 10% by volume and 25-35% by weight of the waste
incinerated.
 Ash can divided into two categories:
 bottom ashcompletely or partially combusted material that passes through or is
discharged from the combustion grate.
 fly ashparticulate matter captured from flue gas by the air pollution control system; it
could include scrubber residue, bag house dust, and what is shaken from precipitators.
 Dioxin
 Dioxins are the most notorious pollutants associated with incinerators
 Cause a wide range of health problems including cancer, immune system damage,
reproductive and developmental problems.
 Dioxins bioaccumulation, selectively building up in the fatty tissues of living organisms,
and they biomagnified, meaning that they are passed up the food chain from prey to
predator
 Particular concern because they are ever-present in the environment