Gasification is a process involving thermal conversion with applications in multiple sectors involving the generation of both heat, power and feedstock along with other aspects of chemical manufacturing in a flexible manner. A wide range of waste and biomass gasification technologies have been established over the years. However, the field is constantly expanding and evolving and continues to emerge as a highly effective process in the market for optimum utilization of waste to generate power. Biomass gasification is the process of converting solid fuel, i.e., biomass into a producer gas, also referred to as a combustible gas through thermo-chemical reactions occurring in a sequence.
The research for improvising biomass gasification has been occurring since the 1980s and has been increasingly practiced in the developing countries, for the purpose of achieving power and energy security. The entire field of waste and biomass gasification is undergoing a structural transformation. Especially, with a rise in awareness of climate issues, a worldwide transition towards renewable sources of energy is becoming significant. Research and interest in the effective use of resources is continuing to rise with the rise of a valued commodity like biogenic carbon. In contrast to this backdrop, opportunities are consistently opening up for novel gasification technologies that help upgrade waste and biomass into value added products.
Biomass gasification represents technology that is assembled using three types of vital components: a handling system for feedstock for appropriate preparation, a reactor, gas separation and a clean-up setup. The arrangement and design of parts in the technology is greatly dependent on the feedstock. Till date, the development of advanced procedures for an improved application of the biomass gasification technique for production of synthesis gas also known as syngas has been a great competitor for the conventional fossil fuels.
The gasifiers can be categorised into an updraft and a downdraft gasifier that are the types of a fixed bed gasifier. In addition to this, a fluidised bed gasifier (circulating type and bubbling type) and an entrained flow gasifier can also be used. In the present time, the production of gas from the above-mentioned gasification process supports chemical as well as power/energy production, with an even brighter future predicted to be of impeccable energy generation.
Conclusion
Gasification can prove to be a breakthrough technology, with a combination of advantages that are focused towards environmental benefits in terms of natural/bio gas production, and most importantly the regeneration of waste as an important source of energy. C6 Energy’s technology focuses on utilising agricultural waste for the production of green and sustainable energy for a brighter future with a cleaner environment.