Producer Gas Research Articles

PRODUCTION OF PROCESS GAS BY CHARCOAL GASIFICATION FOR CARBON NANOMATERIAL SYNTHESIS

The possibility of process gas obtaining for the synthesis of carbon nanomaterial from the products of charcoal gasification with air containing water vapor or natural gas additives was considered. To compensate for the heat costs for the decomposition of hydrogen-containing additives and maintain the temperature level of the fuel gasification process at a constant level, the temperature of preheating the air mixture with additives, or the supply of oxygen to the mixture, was calculated. The H2/CO ratio in the obtained gas was calculated, depending on the content of various additives in the air. The ratio of H2/CO in the generator gas depends both on the total content of oxidants O2 + H2O in the air and on their ratio. If the ratio O2/H2O = 1.43, then regardless of their total content in the air, the temperature of the carbon gasification process remains at the same level as in the case of using only air without additives. Methane has been found to be a more efficient additive than steam, as it requires significantly less additional heat to maintain the process temperature at the desired level. In addition, methane decomposition produces twice as much hydrogen as an equal volume of steam. Carbon nanomaterial was obtained from the products of charcoal air gasification on the created laboratory instalation. Freshly reduced iron acted as a catalyst. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes with a diameter of 80–250 nm were synthesized. Bibl. 14, Fig. 5, Tab. 1.

Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Pilot-Scale Screw Pyrolysis Unit with Producer Gas Based Heating

Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Pilot-Scale Screw Pyrolysis Unit with Producer Gas Based Heating

Influence of throat diameter on the performance of downdraft biomass gasifier

The study focuses on the crucial role of throat diameter as a design parameter in the development of a 4-kW biomass downdraft gasifier. By investigating different throat diameters (ranging from 20 mm to 100 mm) using a simulation approach, the research examines their impact on biomass flow rate, air-to-biomass ratio, temperature profile within the gasifier, producer gas composition, and cold gas efficiency. The results indicate a significant influence of throat diameter on the gasifier’s performance. Notably, gasifiers with larger throat diameters exhibit favorable temperature distributions, resulting in higher production of combustible constituents, including H2, CO, and CH4. These findings contribute valuable insights to the field, guiding future endeavors in the design and implementation of biomass gasification technologies for cleaner and more efficient energy production.

Analysis of Thermal Properties in Co-Gasification of Municipal Solid Waste and Woody Biomass

Modern downdraft gasifiers used commercially are predominantly tailored for efficiently converting woody biomass, such as wood chips. However, substantial value also lies in the utilization of wood residues and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), which are often underexploited. For gasifiers to serve a wider range of applications effectively, they must be capable of handling diverse waste inputs and adjusting their operation in real-time to suit varying material characteristics. This study centers on the advancement of a tar-free gasification system capable of processing MSW with high flexibility. The investigation outlines the systematic approach taken in designing, developing, and assessing the performance of this innovative gasifier. The core focus of the technology is to convert MSW into usable thermal energy through gasification. The prototype developed in this work features a square-shaped stratified fixed-bed downdraft gasifier, engineered to process up to 10 kg of feedstock per hour. It accommodates both pelletized and non-pelletized forms of MSW, offering versatility in input types. During experimental trials, the highest volume of producer gas 38 m3/h. was recorded in the third trial phase, which utilized a balanced mixture of wood and MSW in equal proportions. This setup also yielded the highest calorific value of gas, calculated at 1250 kcal/Nm3. By integrating advanced thermal flare systems that efficiently combust the produced gas, the developed gasifier significantly reduces thermal energy production costs. Furthermore, analyses of the mass and energy distribution confirmed an efficient and consistent relationship between the fuel input and the energy output, validating the system’s operational effectiveness.

Influence of operational parameters on downdraft gasifier performance using municipal solid waste (MSW)-biomass blends

ABSTRACT Gasification is a thermochemical process for sustainable energy production, converting waste materials into valuable energy resources. This study examines the effects of operational factors, temperature, air flow rate, and particle size, on a downdraft gasifier using a blend of Segregated Dry Municipal Solid Waste (SDMSW) and biomass. A pilot-scale gasifier was tested with a 10 kg/h feedstock input and 5 m/s air velocity. The designed gasifier demonstrates scalability, offering a practical solution for sustainable waste management and renewable energy generation. Gas yield ranged from 2.9 kg (100% SDMSW) to 6.88 kg (100% biomass), with calorific values between 13,803.73 kJ/kg and 14,638.35 kJ/kg. The gasifier achieved tar reduction and conversion efficiencies from 24.79% (100% SDMSW) to 68.78% (100% biomass). A 40% SDMSW and 60% biomass blend, yielding 58.98%, efficiency 85% of the maximum was recommended as optimal. This composition maximizes energy production while efficiently utilizing waste. It converts SDMSW into producer gas, suitable for domestic and commercial applications, with significant potential for reducing landfill reliance and promoting cleaner energy alternatives. This work highlights the viability of cogasification in achieving energy sustainability through innovative waste-to-energy technology.

Pyrolysis Process, Reactors, Products, and Applications: A Review

With the rapid growth of the global population, increasing per capita energy demands, and waste generation, the need for innovative strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and effective waste management has become paramount. Pyrolysis, a thermochemical conversion process, facilitates the transformation of diverse biomass feedstocks, including agricultural biomass, forestry waste, and other carbonaceous wastes, into valuable biofuels such as bio-oil, biochar, and producer gas. The article reviews the benefits of pyrolysis as an effective and scalable technique for biofuel production from waste biomass. The review describes the different types of pyrolysis processes, such as slow, intermediate, fast, and catalytic, focusing on the effects of process parameters like temperature, heating rate, and residence time on biofuel yields and properties. The review also highlights the configurations and operating principles of different reactors used for pyrolysis, such as fixed bed, fluidized bed, entrained flow, plasma system, and microwaves. The review examines the factors affecting reactor performance, including energy consumption and feedstock attributes while highlighting the necessity of optimizing these systems to improve sustainability and economic feasibility in pyrolysis processes. The diverse value-added applications of biochar, bio-oil, and producer gas obtained from biomass pyrolysis are also discussed.

Experiment and Simulation of the Non-Catalytic Reforming of Biomass Gasification Producer Gas for Syngas Production

Among biomass gasification syngas cleaning methods, non-catalytic reforming emerges as a sustainable and high-efficiency alternative. This study employed integrated experimental analysis and kinetic modeling to examine non-catalytic reforming processes of biomass-derived producer gas utilizing a synthetic tar mixture containing representative model compounds: naphthalene (C10H8), toluene (C7H8), benzene (C6H6), and phenol (C6H5OH). The experiments were conducted using a high-temperature fixed-bed reactor under varying temperatures (1100–1500 °C) and equivalence ratios (ERs, 0.10–0.30). The results obtained from the experiment, namely the measured mole concentration of H2, CO, CH4, CO2, H2O, soot, and tar suggested that both reactor temperature and O2 content had an important effect. Increasing the temperature significantly promotes the formation of H2 and CO. At 1500 °C and a residence time of 0.01 s, the product gas achieved CO and H2 concentrations of 28.02% and 34.35%, respectively, while CH4, tar, and soot were almost entirely converted. Conversely, the addition of O2 reduces the concentrations of H2 and CO. Increasing ER from 0.10 to 0.20 could reduce CO from 22.25% to 16.11%, and H2 from 13.81% to 10.54%, respectively. Experimental results were used to derive a kinetic model to accurately describe the non-catalytic reforming of producer gas. Furthermore, the maximum of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the Relative Root Mean Square Error (RRMSE) between the model predictions and experimental data are 2.42% and 11.01%, respectively. In particular, according to the kinetic model, the temperature increases predominantly accelerated endothermic reactions, including the Boudouard reaction, water gas reaction, and CH4 steam reforming, thereby significantly enhancing CO and H2 production. Simultaneously, O2 content primarily influenced carbon monoxide oxidation, hydrogen oxidation, and partial carbon oxidation.

Magnetically accelerated gliding arc discharge for enhanced biomass tar decomposition: Influence of producer gas components

Magnetically accelerated gliding arc discharge for enhanced biomass tar decomposition: Influence of producer gas components

Effect of injection pressure and nozzle strategy optimization for the performance improvement on CI engine fuelled with diesel and co-gasified biomass producer gas: A diesel-RK and RSM-based approach

Effect of injection pressure and nozzle strategy optimization for the performance improvement on CI engine fuelled with diesel and co-gasified biomass producer gas: A diesel-RK and RSM-based approach

Performance investigation on a downdraft gasifier using corn waste as a solid biomass and co-feeding with hand gloves and used facemask waste

Performance investigation on a downdraft gasifier using corn waste as a solid biomass and co-feeding with hand gloves and used facemask waste

Char reduction and producer gas quality enrichment of rice husk by co-gasifying tyre waste in downdraft gasifier

Char reduction and producer gas quality enrichment of rice husk by co-gasifying tyre waste in downdraft gasifier

A comprehensive review on biomass-derived producer gas as an alternative fuel: a waste biomass-to-energy perspective

Abstract With the depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the worsening state of the environment, it is imperative to shift toward sustainable energy sources, with a special emphasis on biomass. The utilization of agricultural and forest waste biomass is a sustainable solution within the realm of green energy sources. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of pertinent research and explores the technical viability of substituting traditional energy sources with biomass. The producer gas (PG) is utilized in gas-fumigated dual-fuel engines and is suitable for application in off-grid and rural areas at lower power capacities. The adaptability of the dual-fuel strategy allows for seamless operation in PG–diesel mode without modifications, thus making it suitable for decentralized power generation in rural and urban areas, with notable environmental benefits. Substituting diesel with a PG–diesel combination leads to a notable reduction in NOx emissions and a minor decrease in particulate matter emissions. The lower calorific value of PG and the longer ignition delay contribute to minor power losses and reduced brake thermal efficiency. Moreover, the use of organic waste materials not only diminishes the amount of garbage sent to landfills but also decreases the release of greenhouse gases. This practice supports a circular economy by converting waste biomass to producer gas.

Investigation of hydraulic fracturing-induced seismicity in the Haynesville Shale

Abstract The Haynesville Shale in eastern Texas and western Louisiana has been one of the most productive shale gas plays in the USA. It is notable for being significantly over-pressured, a factor which has often been associated with an increased likelihood of hydraulic fracturing-induced seismicity (HF-IS) elsewhere. However, to date, only one case of HF-IS has been identified in the Haynesville play. Seismic monitoring across the play is relatively sparse, so it is possible that the absence of reported cases represents an absence of monitoring rather than an absence of cases. This study represents an investigation of HF-IS across the Haynesville play, primarily using data from the TexNet seismic monitoring array, which was installed in 2017. We use template matching to increase the population of detected earthquakes, increasing the number of detections by over 200% compared to the catalogs available from regional monitoring agencies. The resulting events can be clustered into several discrete sequences. We use an induced seismicity assessment framework to evaluate whether each sequence was induced and, if so, what industrial activity represents the most likely cause (both hydraulic fracturing and wastewater disposal operations take place within the footprint of the Haynesville play). We find three notable cases of HF-IS, straddling the region between Nacogdoches, San Augustine and Shelby Counties. Having identified these sequences, we examine whether any geological conditions may influence the occurrence of HF-IS. We identify increased formation depth, increased pore pressure gradients, and the thinning or absence of the underlying Louann Salt, which may otherwise serve as a hydraulic barrier between the Haynesville Shale and the basement, as factors that may account for the varying prevalence of HF-IS across the play.

Dynamic temperature variation of insulation materials for solid-phase cold storage tank of liquid air energy storage

Abstract The cold storage tank is a vital component within the liquid air energy storage system, enabling the transfer of cold energy between the processes of air liquefaction and gasification. Solid-phase cold storage, distinguished by its lack of operating temperature constraints, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, stands out as a highly promising method for cold storage in liquid air energy storage systems. The solid-phase cold storage tank undergoes periodic cycles of heating and cooling during the processes of air liquefaction and gasification. To explore the dynamic temperature variations in the external insulation material of the solid-phase cold storage tank and improve its insulation performance, this study developed a dynamic computational model for the tank’s insulation system. It simulated the temperature distribution and dynamic changes of the insulation material in the first-stage (173~300K) cold storage tanks under periodic temperature fluctuations within the tanks. The dynamic temperature changes of the insulation material were examined with a focus on the effects of insulation material type, thickness, and the cycle time.

Numerical evaluation of low-grade producer gas flow and combustion characteristics in swirl combustor

Numerical evaluation of low-grade producer gas flow and combustion characteristics in swirl combustor

Techno economic assessment of biomass gasification for energy transition in ice plants in coastal areas

Ice is commonly used as a major essential product for fish preservation, and it is produced by energy-intensive ice-making plants in the form of ice blocks weighing 130–150 kg. As an initiative for shifting toward renewables, a biomass gasifier for power generation systems in ice plants is a technology that has to be investigated. The purpose of this investigation is to study the techno-economic parameters involved in implementing a biomass power generation system (BPGS) for ice plants that have been identified in the study area that produces 5–100 tons of ice per day (TPD). Rice husk, coconut shell, and rubber shell are recognized as the significant biomass resources identified within the study area that can be used for producer gas generation for dual fuel application in a diesel engine as a secondary fuel. Among the three feedstock, the rubber shell fueled BPGS system showed the highest overall efficiency from 15.8% to 25.7%, diesel savings from 48.04% to 77.86%, and minimum biomass consumption from 91.72 to 733.75 kg/h. Economic indices like operating cost (OC), payback period, and life cycle cost are with range from Indian Rupee (INR) 30.51 to 174.44 × 106, 1.79 to 5.8 years, and INR 1.65 to 9.53 × 108, respectively. Positive net present value is observed for the capacities above 37 TPD for rubber shell powered BPGS. The sensitivity analysis shows that the maximum influence of uncertainty in input parameters on the Investment cost, OC, and payback duration are 10.26%, 6.3%, and 12.29%, respectively.

Recent Trends in Hydrogen Storage using Agricultural Waste

Hydrogen is becoming popular as a clean energy source in the wake of the depletion of fossil fuels and the unhealthy climate. It burns cleanly and produces only water, which removes greenhouse gaseous emissions. However, challenges such as productive, economical, and safe storage hinder hydrogen use. The study is about innovations in hydrogen storage that use agricultural waste and focuses on production methods such as biomass gasification and biological processes. Biomass gasification, especially steam versus air gasification, has a great influence on hydrogen yields and economic viability, while dark fermentation and photofermentation convert organic matter into hydrogen. However, both processes face challenges in yield and efficiency problems, requiring optimisation for effective implementation. Without a doubt, hydrogen storage technology is the backbone of a hydrogen economy. Each storage method has its own unique pros and cons. Compressed gas storage is usually density combined with the requirement for expensive tanks in which to place it; by contrast, liquid hydrogen is efficient, but boil-off losses are a problem. Solid-state storage, using such materials as metal hydrides, is the compact option but especially slow in terms of hydrogen absorption compared to the other methods above. Adsorption-based storage, using activated carbon or MOFs, is generally lower capacity; however, it is the most economical. Environmental impact, economic feasibility, and life cycle assessments (LCAs) must weigh in evaluating agriculture manures for bio-hydrogen. Future research should be devoted to developing biomass conversion processes, storage materials, and favourable policies for bio-hydrogen commercialisation.

Optimization of a cyclone combustor in a flameless combustion using producer gas

Flameless combustion of producer gas offers significant environmental and efficiency advantages, but its implementation requires careful optimization of both the combustor design and operating conditions. This article is aimed to design a combustion chamber utilizing producer gas for achieving flameless combustion using SOLID-WORKS, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) ANSYS-FLUENT simulation and Design of Experiment (DOE) from Minitab software. The design varied inlet nozzle diameters from 20 to 50 mm and combustor heights from 500 to 800 mm. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations is utilized to explore the impact of altering chamber height and inlet diameter in order to achieve efficiency in flameless combustion. The producer gas composition and simulation parameters were based on prior studies. The evaluation is focused on CO, NOx emissions and the Damköhler number, and using Design of Experiment (DOE) methodology for optimization. Results showed that chamber height and inlet diameter had limited effects on combustion and CO emission. Therefore, increasing chamber height raised NOx emissions due to prolonged fuel exposure to high temperatures, while varying inlet nozzle diameter has no effect on Damköhler number, but chamber’s height does. Finally, Minitab optimization suggested a chamber with 30 mm inlet nozzle diameter and 600 mm height for desirable flameless combustion, and operating on an equivalence ratio of φ=0.7 which resulted in the lowest CO and NOx emissions, with values of 71.5 ppm and 5.05 ppm, respectively.

Simplified approach of modeling air gasification of biomass in a bubbling fluidized bed gasifier using Aspen Plus as a simulation tool

Simplified approach of modeling air gasification of biomass in a bubbling fluidized bed gasifier using Aspen Plus as a simulation tool

Effect of air flow resistance due to gasification system components on the dual fuel engine performance

India is an agricultural country and has large supply of biomass resource. The agricultural residues are thermo-chemically converted to producer gas. This study looks at how gasification system components affect the efficiency of dual-fuel engines by creating airflow resistance. By transforming biomass into producer gas, which can be utilized in dual-fuel engines in addition to traditional fuels, gasification systems are vital in the production of renewable energy. Engine performance may be negatively impacted by the airflow resistance introduced by gasification system components such as filter, coolers, and scrubbers. The research work is to develop producer gas fueled reciprocating engines. Performance test has to be conducted on four stroke double cylinder CI engine. The gasifier is not fired. Air is sucked through the gasifier and send into the engine. The engine performance is studied by various parameters. Three schemes are used to find the performance of the engine. The scheme one is operation of the engine allowing it to suck air directly from atmosphere through air box. The scheme two is operation of the engine allowing it to suck air from atmosphere simultaneously through the gasification system and through the air box. The scheme three is operation of the engine allowing it to suck air from atmosphere through gasification system only. Based on the findings, it is clear that higher airflow resistance decreases engine efficiency and power production while causing changes in exhaust emissions. Previous research may have concentrated on dual-fuel engine performance without taking into consideration the airflow resistance brought on by gasification components such cooling systems, scrubbers, and filters. The impact of these resistances on engine generator performance characteristics is probably what this study looks at.