Utilization of rice husks as a fuel for gasification – A review

Abstract

Rice husks are widely known as a fuel for electricity generation through gasification technology. Rice husks are abundant in agricultural countries, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Although it is useful, if it is not handled properly, rice husks can become dangerous waste. Abandoning them at large amounts of wastes in fields can damage soil and water contaminated, increase the emission of methane due to its natural decomposition, and produces rainwater leachates. Rice husks are produced from 20% of the weight of rice produced. The content of rice husk is cellulose (50%), lignin (25-30%), silica (15-20%), and moisture content (10-15%). Rice husks have low bulk density by the range of 90-150 kg/m3. From studies obtained equivalent ratio (ER) is range 0.15-0.35, gasifier temperature was conducted at 600-900°C. This paper presents a review of studies conducted on rice husk gasification. Recent research has been reviewed, and key findings are highlighted based on each result of syngas produced. Syngas produced from gasification has a low heating value of 1373.18 kcal/Nm3 – 2603 kcal/Nm3. Syngas compositions are CO, CO2, CH4, and H2. Rice husks syngas are used as a fuel to the internal combustion engine (ICE) as the prime mover to produce electricity.