Comparative study of biomass fuels in an updraft gasifier

The authors discuss an updraft biomass gasification reactor with a maximum firing rate of 25 kg/h. The novel design features of this reactor are a self-generated steam injection system at the appropriate points, a natural-draft air-control system, and the choice of an appropriate reactor chamber volume. The reactor is useful for producing process heat. The heat is extracted by means of a heat-exchange unit, which is placed directly above the reactor at a maximum efficiency of 49%. The system produces hot water or steam continuously. Another feature is that a variety of biomass fuels, such as wood wastes, sawdust, coconut fiber, and briquettes of cattle manure and dried leaves, can be fired in this reactor