Gasification of Cellulosic Wastes for Power Generation

• Published in: Journal of the Fuel Society of Japan Vol. 68; no. 9; pp. 823 - 830
• Main Authors: MIURA, Masakatsu, NIIKAWA, Kazuhiko, SUZUKI, Satoru, Members, NIST
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: THE JAPAN INSTITUTE OF ENERGY 1989
• Subjects: Cellulosic wastes; Gas engine; Power generation; Steam and air gasification
• ISSN: 0369-3775; 2185-226X
• DOI: 10.3775/jie.68.9_823

The gasification studies on the selected cellulosic wastes (Saw dust, Coir dust, Copra meal and Cassava bagasse) by fluidized bed method were investigated to determine the ideal conditions and variables suitable for generating power. Experimental runs on the steam and air gasification were carried out using bench scale gasification apparatus. The results on the steam gasification showed that at varying bed temperature ranging from 750 to 900°C, gas product with high H2 and CO content (more than 70%) having high heating value (2, 500-3, 700 kcal) were obtained. The ranges of heating values of the produced gas obtained from air gasification at appropriate operating condition were 1, 000-1, 350 kcal for saw dust, 1, 170-1, 300Kcal for coir dust, 1, 200-1, 700Kcal for cassava bagasse, and 1, 350-4, 800 kcal for copra meal. Preliminary test run of the gas engine was done by charging LPG mixed with air to determine the minimum practical heating value for smooth operation. Results of the test run showed that 1, 200 kcal was minimum heating value with gas pressure of about 1, 200 mmH2O to maintain the smooth operation. Based on the data from the preliminary test, the gas fuel products generated from saw dust were tested on the gas engine. Results showed that low calorie gas products with heating value as low as 1, 300 kcal can be utilized to run a gas engine for generation of electric power.