PeRTY OF . OVERNMENT Handbook of Biomass Downdraft Gasifier Engine Systems serusp-271-3022 SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH INS DESS001135 TECHNICAL LIBRARY March 1988 UC Category: 245 OCT 1988 GOUDEN, COLORADO, 80401 sa This handbook has been prepared by the Solar Energy Research Institute under the t Department of Energy Solar Technical Information Program. It is intended as a guide to the design, testing, operation, and manufacture of small-scale {less than 200 kW (270 hp)] gasifiers. A great deal of the information will be useful for all levels of biomass gasification. The handbook is meant to be a practical guide to gasifier systems, and a minimum amount of space is devoted to questions of more theoretical interest. We apologize in advance for mixing English and Scientifique Internationale (SI) units. Whenever possible, we have used SI units, with the corresponding English units fol- lowing in parentheses. Unfortunately, many of the figures use English units, and it would have been too difficult to convert all of these figures to both units. We have sup- plied a conversion chart in the Appendix to make these conversions easier for the reader. Mr. Bill Nostrand, one of our very helpful reviewers, died in May 1985. Bill was num- ber one in the ranks of those who became interested in gasification because of its poten- tial for supplying clean, renewable energy. We all will miss him. The improvement of gasification systems will be noticeably slowed by his death We dedicate this book to the Bill Nostrands of this world who will bri to the level of safety, cleanlin Thanks, Bill ‘T. B. Reed and A. Das Golden, Colorado gasifier systems ind reliability required to realize their full potential. avoddctotne O2'76 SEI# Solar Technical Information Program A Division of Midwest Research institute Solar Energy Research Institute Operated for the 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401-3393 U.S. Department of EnergyAcknowledgments Since it is impossible for one or two authors to realistically comprehend a subject from all viewpoints, we ha solicited input from leading workers in the field. Early versions were sent to a number of investigators, and each ‘was invited to comment on and supplement our effort. We therefore express our heartfelt thanks to the following, reviewers for greatly enhancing the quality of the final product: Dr. Thomas Milne, Solar Energy Research Institute Dr. Bjorn Kjellstrom, The Boijor Institute, Sweden Dr. Thomas McGowan, Georgia Instituto of Technology Dr. Hubert Stassen, Twente University, The Netherlands Mr. Matthew Mendis, World Bank Prof. Ibarra Cruz, University of Manila, The Philippines Mr. Bill Nostrand, New England Gasification Associates ‘Wo take final responsibility for the contents and omissions, and extend our apologies to those workers whose work we may have unknowingly omitted. Organization and Use A gasifier converts solid fuel to gascous fuel. A gasifier system includes the gasification reactor itself, along with the auxiliary equipment necessary to handle the solids, gases, and effluents going into or coming from the gasifier. The figure below shows the major components of a gasifier system and the chapters in which they are discussed, 2 8 JIN 3 Flare Gas Ch. 9, 12 Gasifier measurement Ch. 4.5.6 and cleaning Ch. 7,8 Engine (or combustor) Chott ————————E—E—E—— Ch.9, 10 Notice This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agony of tho United States government, Neithor the United States govern: ‘ment nor any agency thervo, nor any of their employees, makes any warranties, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or respon: sibility forthe accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process disclosed, of represents that is use ‘would not intinge privately owned rights, Reference herein to any specific commercial prodic, process, of service by tate name, trademark. ‘manufacturer or athrwise doesnot necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by tho United Stalos govern ‘mentor any agency thereof. The views and opinions af authors expressed herein do nol necessarily stale or reflect thove of the United States ‘overnment oF any agency thereof Printed in the United States of America “Avalable from: Superintendent of Documents USiGovornmont Printing Office Washinglon, DC: 20402 National Technical Information Service US. Department of Commerce 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22101, rice: Microfiche A03 Printed Copy AO7 Codes are used for pricing all publications. The code is determined by tho numberof pages inthe publication. Information pertaining to the pricing codes can be found inthe current ssue ofthe following publications which are generally available in most libraries. Energy Research ‘Abstracts (ERA): Gaveriment Reports Announcements and Index (GRA and 1): Scientific nd Technical Abstract Reports (STAR). and publica tion NTIS-PR 260 available from NTIS at the above address,Other Fuel Parameter 3.1 Particle Size and Shape 3.3.2 Charcoal and Char Properties 3.3.3 Biomass Ash Content and Effects 3.3.4 Biomass Moisture Content and Effects 3.3.5 Biomass Heating Value Benoficiation of Biomass Fuels 3.4.1 Densifying Biomass Fuels 4.2 Drying Biomas 3.5 Biomass Fuel Emissior 4.0 Principles of Gasification 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Biomass Thermal Conversion 4.2.1 Introduction 4.2.2 Biomass Pyrolysis 4.2.3 Combustion of Biomass 4.2.4 Chomistry of Biomass 4.2.5 Thermodynamics of Gasification sification Contents