Biomass Gasification Lecture Notes Lecture 34

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to biomass gasification, including definitions, historical context, processes, advantages, and efficiency metrics.

What is gasification?

Gasification is a thermal biomass conversion process where a controlled amount of oxidant reacts with biomass at elevated temperatures to produce combustible synthesis gas.

What are the main components of producer gas (syngas)?

The main components of syngas include CO, H2, CO2, CH4, N2, and H2O.

What are some advantages of gasification?

Advantages include feedstock and product flexibility, environmental superiority through pollutant control, reduced water consumption, and high efficiency with low CO2 production.

What are the steps of the gasification process?

The steps include drying, pyrolysis (or devolatilization), combustion, and reduction.

What do the combustion reactions in gasification produce?

The combustion reactions produce CO2 and H2O from the oxidation of biomass.

What is the significance of the water-gas shift reaction?

The water-gas shift reaction converts CO and H2O to CO2 and H2, which is significant for adjusting syngas composition.

What is the role of the oxidant in gasification?

The oxidant (e.g., air, steam, oxygen) provides oxygen for partial oxidation of biomass, generating heat and producer gas.

Name a common type of gasifier.

A common type of gasifier is the fixed-bed gasifier, where biomass forms a static bed through which the oxidant flows.

What are some common applications of syngas?

Syngas can be used for heat and power generation, or as a chemical feedstock for producing fuels (e.g., methanol, hydrogen).

What happens during the pyrolysis (devolatilization) step in gasification?

During pyrolysis, biomass is heated in the absence of oxygen, leading to the thermal decomposition of organic matter into char, tar, and non-condensable gases.