GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGY AND ITS FUTURE: A REVIEW

Abstract

Gasification technology has the potential to revolutionise the energy industry by providing a clean and efficient way to produce energy from a variety of raw materials. This technology have the ability to produce synthesis gas from raw materials based on negative or low carbon values such as high sulphur fuel oil, petroleum coke, coal, domestic wastes, industrial and biomass wastes. The gas produced from the process is used to replace natural gas, to generate electricity, or as a basic raw material to produce chemicals and liquid fuels. Gasification is a process that uses heat, pressure, and steam to convert substances directly into gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Gasification technology has differences in various aspects but there are four engineering factors that are the core of the gasification system such as atmospheric gasification reactor (level of oxygen or air content), internal and external heating, reactor design and operating temperature. The raw material used, prepared and introduced in dry form and small particles to the reactor chamber are called gasification. Raw materials experience heat, pressure and an environment rich or low in oxygen content in the gasification. There are three main products from the gasification process which are hydrocarbon gas (also called syngas), hydrocarbon liquid (oil) and coal (carbon black and ash). Syngas can be used as a fuel to produce electricity or steam or as a based material for many types of chemicals. When mixed with air, syngas can be used in petrol or diesel engines as a vehicle fuel with minor modifications to the engine. Gasification technology has several advantages over traditional fossil fuel-based energy production methods. It is able to produce energy from a wide range of raw materials, including waste, which reduces the need for landfills and incineration. Additionally, gasification can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by producing energy from low or negative carbon value raw materials.