Development of an Appropriate Rice-Based Biomass Gasifier as Source of Power for Farm Use

Abstract

An appropriate rice-based biomass gasifier was designed and developed for farmers’ use. The gasification properties of rice-based biomass were determined before doing the design. The gasifier was built using salvage petrol drums, metal bars and concrete as primary construction materials. It has a 30cm-diameter reactor insulated with refractory cement. A 10cm-φ crossflow scrubber with 30cm-thick packed-bed filter is used for conditioning the gas. The gas is converted to mechanical power with the use of a four- stroke-cycle, spark ignition engine, similar to those which are commonly used by farmers. The gasifier was tested and underwent series of modifications and improvement. Performance test and evaluation showed that the gasifier performs satisfactorily as per design. Raw rice husk was found to have greater advantage as fuel for the gasifier than rice straw. It can drive stationary agricultural machines such as a 4-in. pump, a 30-cm biomass chipper, and a 20-cm rubber creeping mill. It can also power a 3-hp AC generator for lighting and a 60-Amp DC alternator for charging batteries. The entire system can be built at a cost of P90,000.00 using local materials and skills. Analysis showed that the operating cost of the gasifier is only P94.17 per day. A savings of P244.94 per day can be derived against the use of purely gasoline fuel for the engine. Payback period is 1.2 years. Key