Performance of oil palm kernel shell gasification using a medium-scale downdraft gasifier

This article focused on the performance of oil palm kernel shell (PKS) gasification using a medium-scale downdraft gasifier with a feedstock capacity of 500 kg at a temperature range of 399–700°C and at a feed rate of 177 kg/h. This article is important for evaluating the reliability of PKS gasifica...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of green energy 2016-01, Vol.13 (5), p.513-520
Main Authors: Ariffin, Muhammad Afif, Wan Mahmood, Wan Mohd Faizal, Mohamed, Ramizi, Mohd Nor, Mohd Tusirin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomass
Downdraft
Downdraft gasification
Flow rate
Gasification
medium scale
Natural gas
Palm
palm kernel shell (PKS)
performance power generation
Reactors
Synthetic fuels
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Summary:This article focused on the performance of oil palm kernel shell (PKS) gasification using a medium-scale downdraft gasifier with a feedstock capacity of 500 kg at a temperature range of 399–700°C and at a feed rate of 177 kg/h. This article is important for evaluating the reliability of PKS gasification for commercial power generation activities from biomass. The process performance was evaluated based on the syngas calorific value (CV), syngas flow rate, and its cold gas efficiency (CGE). The syngas flow rates and CVs were measured using a gas flow meter and a gas analyzer in real time. The data obtained were then analyzed to evaluate the performance of the process. The results showed that the CGE of the process was moderately high (51%) at 681°C, with a high syngas CV (4.45–4.89 MJ/Nm ³) which was ideal for gas engine applications. The PKS gasification performance increased when the reactor temperature increased. Projections were made for the CGE and the syngas CV for the PKS gasification with increased reactor temperatures and it was found that these values could be increased up to 80% and 5.2 MJ/Nm ³, respectively at a reactor temperature of 900°C. In addition, the estimated power that could be generated was about 600 kW ₑ at a maximum operation of 500 kg/h of feed rate. Based on the analysis, a medium-scale PKS gasification is observed to be a promising process for power generation from biomass due to the favorable performance of the process.
ISSN:1543-5083
1543-5075
1543-5083
DOI:10.1080/15435075.2014.966266