Bioenergy from feathers gasification – Efficiency and performance analysis

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy Vol. 59; pp. 402 - 411
• Main Authors: Kwiatkowski, Kamil, Krzysztoforski, Jan, Bajer, Konrad, Dudyński, Marek
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; bioenergy; biomass; burning; carbon dioxide; coal; combustion; Efficiency; Energy; energy efficiency; Exact sciences and technology; Exergy; feathers; Fixed-bed; Fuel processing. Carbochemistry and petrochemistry; Fuels; Gasification; poultry; Poultry feathers; profitability; slaughterhouses; Solid fuel processing (coal, coke, brown coal, peat, wood, etc.); steam; summer; water content; winter; Poland; Poland, Warminsko-Mazurskie, Olsztyn; Gasification; Exergy; Energy; Efficiency; Poultry feathers; Fixed-bed; Power production; Poultry by product; Industrial waste; Food industry; Slaughter(by product); Feather; Bioenergy; Performance analysis; Exergetic efficiency; Fixed bed
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2013.07.013

Energy production from fixed-bed gasification of poultry feathers was analysed using process data from a real industry-scale plant located in Olsztyn, Poland. Feathers undergo the two-stage process of gasification in a fixed-bed updraft gasifier with 3.2 MW thermal input capacity followed by burning of the produced gas in a separate combustion chamber. The resulting flue gases generate steam in a boiler. The process is viable in terms of technical parameters, emission standards and profitability. The process was analysed in detail for a one-week period (1–7 March 2011) and for the whole year 2011 on the monthly basis. During the selected week 1.3 Mg h−1 of feathers were gasified and 3.0 Mg h−1 of steam was produced continuously, without any interruptions. The efficiency of energy transformation was 96% for the gasifier, 97% for the combustor and 72% for the boiler. The total efficiency of energy conversion for this period was 68% and exergetic efficiency was 25%. The main energy loss occurs in the boiler outlet mainly due to high water content in the flue gases. Biological residues are a major energy source for the nearby slaughterhouse. Bioenergy contribution varies from around 60% in winter up to 90% in summer. This new source successfully replaces the formerly used coal burner. Thanks to this replacement, annual emission of net carbon dioxide was reduced by 4200 tonnes. •Raw poultry feathers can be gasified in an original fixed-bed, updraft apparatus.•Up to 10,000 tonnes of feathers are gasified in Poland every year.•Energetic efficiency of feathers gasification plant is up to 70%.•Gasification of feathers reduces CO2 emission by 4200 tonnes every year.•Gasification is viable, economical and environmentally friendly.