Pre-Operational Analysis of a Prototype Downdraft Gasifier Fueled by Bamboo

Abstract

Biomass gasification is a thermochemical conversion process that dates back to the 19th century. Nevertheless, designing and operating a gasifier system is not an easy task. Every biomass feedstock has different characteristics and the gasifier needs to be designed according to those qualities. Hence, many laboratory analyses on bamboo were carried out for this study. This study also concentrates on finding the best possible process variables for a bamboo fueled downdraft gasifier through a sensitivity analysis. A software program called Thermoflex was used for this purpose and the effect of gasifier temperature, air-fuel-ratio, moisture content of the fuel and temperature of pre-heated air on the syngas composition were simulated. The results show that bamboo is a decent gasification feedstock because of its low ash and sulfur content and satisfactory energy value...