Optimizing a New Downdraft Gasification System for Synthetic Gas Production from Low Bulk Density Biomass Material

2007 DOT-RITA Center Award

 

PI: Dr. Krushna Patil (Oklahoma State University, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering)
Co–PI: Dr. Ray Huhnke (Oklahoma State University); Dr. Danielle Bellmer (Oklahoma State University)

Funded: $69,997

Start Date: 7/1/2007

End Date: 6/30/2009

 

Expected Outcomes

A unique downdraft gasifier design has been evolved at OSU to generate synthesis gas (syngas) consisting of CO, H2 and methane as the major combustible elements. The project aims at optimizing the new downdraft system for selected low bulk density biomass materials to generate synthesis gas high in carbon monoxide and hydrogen concentrations and low in tar and particulate contents, and to demonstrate its readiness for commercial deployment for distributed energy applications in Oklahoma and South Central region. The specific objectives are as follows:

 

1. To fabricate a unique downdraft gasifier system capable of gasifying low bulk density biomass materials and develop a test set-up;
2. To test and evaluate the gasifier system developed under the objective 1 for chopped switchgrass, wheat straw, wood shavings, saw dust, and corn fermentation byproducts to generate synthesis gas high in carbon monoxide and hydrogen concentrations and low in tar and particulate contents and incorporate modifications as needed;
3. To evaluate mass and energy balance and synthesis gas generation cost details for each of the biomass material tested under the objective 2; and
4. Demonstrate the developed gasifier technology to selected industries of Oklahoma and South Central region.