High-temperature air and steam gasification of densified biofuels

An experimental study was carried out to investigate gasification of densified biofuels using highly preheated air and steam as a gasifying agent. Preheat of air and steam is realised by means of the newly developed high-cycle regenerative air/steam preheater. Use of highly preheated feed gas provides additional energy into the gasification process, which enhances the thermal decomposition of the gasified solids. For the same type of feedstock the operating parameters, temperature, composition and amount of gasifying agent, were varied over a wide range. Results of experiments conducted in a high-temperature air/steam fixed bed updraft gasifier show the capability of this technology of maximising the gaseous product yield as a result of the high heating rates involved, and the efficient tar reduction. Increase of the feed gas temperature reduces production of tars, soot and char residue as well as increases heating value of the dry fuel gas produced. Overall, it has been seen that the yield and the lower heating value of the dry fuel gas increase with increasing temperature.