Sampling and analysis of tars and particulates from a biomass downd raft gasifier

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

11-7-2007

Abstract

Renewable energy production through biomass gasification produces combustible gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane. However, one of the most Important Issues in biomass gasification is to deal with the tar and particulate formed during the process. Tars are considered to be a complex mixture of the condensable fraction of the organic gasification products and are largely aromatic hydrocarbons. Tars and particulates are problematic in integrated biomass gasification systems as they may condense on valves and fittings, hampering the ability of valves to function properly. They also clog fuel lines and injectors in internal combustion engines. Currently, there Is no specific method for determining the concentration of tars and particulates from biomass gasification. In this study, a pilot scale downdraft gasifier was used to establish the characterization of tar and particulates from gasification of woodchips. Tar and Particulate analysis was done using a modified standard procedure from EPA Method 5 designed to suit the unique nature of biomass gasification. This involves passing the Syngas through a heated filter assembly to collect the particulates and trapping the tar components in a series of bottles containing acetone. Analysis of the sampled impurities was done by mass gravimetric method through solvent evaporation and weight differential. The concentrations of tars from three runs were 60, 41, and 63 mg/ft 3 and particulate concentrations were respectively 123, 71, and 150 mg/ft 3. The next phase of this research will focus on lowering the tars and particulates using various downstream tar cracking and particulate trapping components.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

2007 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Technical Papers

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