A comparative analysis of the gasification performances of torrefied and untorrefied bagasse: Influence of feed size, gasifier design and operating variables on gasification efficiency

  • Authors

    • Anthony Anukam University of Fort Hare
    • Omobola Okoh University of Fort Hare
    • Sampson Mamphweli Stellenbosch University
    • Jonas Berghel
    2018-06-01
    https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i2.8489
  • Biomass, Sugarcane Bagasse, Torrefaction, Gasification, Efficiency, Computer Simulation.

  • Abstract

    This study conducted a comparative assessment of the gasification performances of torrefied and untorrefied bagasse with emphasis on feed size, gasifier design and operating conditions that would influence gasification efficiency. Torrefaction greatly improved the characteristics of bagasse and had significant impact on its gasification performance. The gasifier design parameters studied were throat angle and throat diameter. Temperature of input air and feed input were the gasifier operating conditions examined in the course of the gasification processes of both torrefied and untorrefied bagasse. These parameters were considered the most critical operating parameters that affect gasifier performance and, correlation between the parameters was established in the course of gasification. The results obtained showed higher gasification efficiency for torrefied bagasse in comparison to untorrefied bagasse under varied conditions of gasification, which was attributed mainly to changes in the characteristics of the torrefied material.

     

  • References

    1. [1] D.Y.C. Leung, X.L. Yin, C.Z. Wu, ''A review on the development and commercialization of biomass gasification technologies in China''. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 2004, 8, 565-580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2003.12.010.
      [2] N.S. Mamphweli, L.E. Meyer, ''Evaluation of the conversion efficiency of a 180 Nm3/h Johannson biomass gasifier'', Int. J. Energy Environ. 2010, 1, 113-120.
      [3] P. Wang, S.H. Zhan, H.B. Yu, X.F. Xue, N. Hong, ''the effects of temperature and catalysts on the pyrolysis of industrial wastes (herb residue)''. Bioresour. Technol. 2010, 101, 3236-3241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2009.12.082.
      [4] A. Anukam, S. Mamphweli, E. Meyer, O. Okoh, ''Computer simulation of the mass and energy balance during gasification of sugarcane bagasse''. J. Energy 2014, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/713054.
      [5] M.M. Pickett, ''Modeling the performance and emissions of British gas/lurgi-based integrated gasification combined cycle systems''. Master's Thesis, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, USA, 2000.
      [6] T.B. Reed, ''Types of gasifiers and gasifier design considerations''. Biomass gasification, Principles and Technology, ed T. B. Reed, Noyes Data Corp., New Jersey, 1981, 184-199.
      [7] T.H. Jayah, ''Evaluation of a downdraft wood gasifier for tea manufacturing in Sri Lanka''. Master's Thesis, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, 2002.
      [8] S. Kumar, K. Pitchandi, E. Natarajan, ''Modeling and simulation of downdraft wood gasifier''. J. Appl. Sci. 2008, 8(2), 271-279. https://doi.org/10.3923/jas.2008.271.279.
      [9] F. Tinaut, A. Melgar, J.F. Pï¿©rez, A. Horrillo, ''Effect of biomass particle size and air superficial velocity on the gasification process in a downdraft fixed bed gasifier: an experimental and modelling study''. Fuel Process. Technol. 2008, 89, 1076-1089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2008.04.010.
      [10] J.F. Pï¿©rez, A. Melgar, P.N. Benjumea, ''Effect of operating design and parameters on the gasification/combustion process of waste biomass in fixed bed downdraft reactors: an experimental study''. Fuel 2012, 96, 478-496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2012.01.064.
      [11] R. Kramreiter, M. Url, J. Kotik, H. Hofbauer, ''Experimental investigation of a 125 kW twin-fire fixed bed gasification pilot plant and comparison to the results of a 2 MW combined heat and power plant (CHP)''. Fuel Process. Technol. 2008, 89, 90-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2007.08.001.
      [12] S.S. Thanapal, K. Annamalai, J.M. Sweeten, G. Gordillo, ''Fixed bed gasification of dairy biomass with enriched air mixture''. Appl. Energy 2012, 97, 525-531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2011.11.072.
      [13] H.C. Yoon, T. Cooper, A. Steinfeld, ''Non-catalytic autothermal gasification of woody biomass''. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2011, 36, 7852-7860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.01.138.
      [14] T.J. Hugo, ''Pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse''. Master's Thesis, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2010.
      [15] A. Anukam, S. Mamphweli, E. Meyer, O. Okoh, ''Gasification of sugarcane bagasse as an efficient conversion technology for the purpose of electricity generation''. A Multidisciplinary Journal the University of Fort Hare 2013, 20(1), ISSN: 0015-8054, 58-75.
      [16] J. Chen, ''Kinetic engineering modeling of co-current moving bed gasification reactors for carbonaceous material''. Ph.D. Thesis, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA, 1986.
      [17] T.B. Reed, A. Das, ''Handbook of biomass downdraft gasifier engine system,'' SERI, Golden, Colorado, 1988. https://doi.org/10.2172/5206099.
      [18] M. Wilk, A. Magdziarz, I. Kalemba, ''Characterisation of renewable fuels' torrefaction process with different instrumental techniques''. Energy 2015, 87, 259-269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2015.04.073.
      [19] P. Tanger, J.L. Field, C.E. Jahn, M.W. de Foort, J.E. Leach, ''Biomass for thermochemical conversion: Targets and challenges''. Rev. Artic. Front. Plant Sci. 2013, 218(4): 218-230. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2013.00218.
      [20] L. Devi, K.J. Ptasinski, F. Janssen, ''A review of the primary measures for tar elimination in biomass gasification processes''. Biomass Bioenergy 2003, 24, 125-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0961-9534(02)00102-2.
      [21] S.C. Bhattacharya, S.S. Hla, H.L. Pham, ''A study on a multi-stage hybrid gasifier engine system''. Biomass Bioenergy 2001, 21, 445-460. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0961-9534(01)00048-4.
      [22] A. Toptas, Y. Yildirim, G. Duman et al. ''Combustion behaviour of different kinds of biomass and their blends with lignite''. Bioresour. Technol. 2015, 177, 328-336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.11.072.
      [23] J.S. Brar, K. Singh, J. Wang, S. Kumar, ''Co-gasification of coal and biomass: A review''. Int. J. For. Res. 2012, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/363058.
      [24] C.P. Kleinschmidt, ''Overview of international developments in torrefaction''. Proceedings of the IEA Bioenergy Task 32 and Task 40 Workshop, 28 January 2011, Graz, Austria, International Energy Agency, Paris. (http://www.ieabcc.nl/worshops/task32_2011_graz_torrefaction/Kleinschmidt_Paper.pdf).
      [25] T.C. Acharjee, C.J. Coronella, V.R. Vasquez, ''Effect of thermal pretreatment on equilibrium moisture content of lignocellulosic biomass''. Bioresour. Technol. 2011, 102(7), 4849-4854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.01.018.
      [26] M.J. Prins, K.J. Ptasinski, F. Janssen, ''More efficient biomass gasification via torrefaction''. Energy 2006c, 31(15), 3458-3470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2006.03.008.
      [27] A.I. Anukam, S.N. Mamphweli, P. Reddy, O.O. Okoh, ''Characterization and the effect of lignocellulosic biomass value addition on gasification efficiency''. Energ. Explor. Exploit. 2016, 34(6) 865-880. https://doi.org/10.1177/0144598716665010.
      [28] N. Brosse, R. El Hage, M. Chaouch, M. Petrissans, S. Dumarcay, P. Gerardin, ''Investigation of the chemical modifications of beech wood lignin during heat treatment''. Polym. Degrad. Stab. 2010, 95(9), 1721-1726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2010.05.018.
      [29] J. Kiel, F. Verhoeff, H. Gerhauser, B. Meuleman, ''BO2-technology for biomass upgrading into solid fuel-pilot-scale testing and market implementation''. Presented at the 16th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition, Valencia, Spain, 2-6 June 2008, Energy Centre of the Netherlands, Petten. (http://www.ecn.nl/docs/library/report/2008/m08036.pdf).
      [30] Q. Chen, J.S. Zhou, B.J. Liu, Q.F. Mei, Z.Y. Luo, ''Influence of torrefaction pretreatment on biomass gasification technology''. Chin. Sci. Bull. 2011, 56(14), 1449-1456. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-010-4292-z.
      [31] C. Couhert, S. Salvador, J.M. Commandre, ''Impact of torrefaction on syngas production from wood''. Fuel 2009, 88, 2286-2290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2009.05.003.
      [32] J. Venselaar, ''Design rules for downdraft wood gasifiers: A short review,'' Joint Technical Assistance Project, JTA-9A-Research Development1 at the Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia, 1982, 1-24.
      [33] G. Xue, M. Kwapinska, W. Kwapinski, K.M. Czajka, J. Kennedy, J.J. Leahy, ''Impact of torrefaction on properties of miscanthus giganteus relevant to gasification''. Fuel 2014, 121, 189-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2013.12.022.
      [34] B. Moghtaderi, ''Effects of controlling parameters on production of hydrogen by catalytic steam gasification of biomass at low temperatures''. Fuel 2007, 86(15), 2422-2430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2007.02.012.
      [35] P. Basu, V. Mettanant, L. Augustus, ''Gasification of rice husk in supercritical water''. Mechanical Engineering Department, Dalhousie University 1360, Barrington St., Halifax, NS B3J 1Z1, Canada, 2010.
      [36] D. Ciolkosz, ''Characteristics of biomass as a heating fuel''. Renewable and Alternative Energy Fact Sheet. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Agricultural Research and Coorporative Extension. www.energy.extension.psu.edu (2010). Last accessed November 2012.
      [37] V. Kirubakaran, V. Sivaramakrishnan, R. Nalini, T. Sekar, M. Premalatha, P. Subramanian, ''A review on gasification of biomass''. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 2009, 13, 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2007.07.001.
      [38] D. Medic, M. Darr, A. Shah, B. Potter, J. Zimmerrnan, ''Effects of torrefaction process parameters on biomass feedstock upgrading''. Fuel 2011, 91(1), 147-154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2011.07.019.
      [39] A. Shah, M.J. Darr, D. Medic, R.P. Anex, D. Maski, S. Khanal, ''Techno-economic analysis of a production-scale torrefaction system for cellulosic biomass upgrading''. Biofuels, Bioprod. Biorefin. 2012, 6(1), 45-57. https://doi.org/10.1002/bbb.336.
      [40] W. Stelte, J.K. Holm, A.R. Sanadi, S. Barsberg, J. Ahrenfeldt, U.B. Henriksen, ''A study of bonding and failure mechanisms in fuel pellets from different biomass resources''. Biomass Bioenergy 2011d, 35(2), 910-918. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2010.11.003.
      [41] W. Stelte, C. Clemons, J.K. Holm, R.A. Sanadi, L. Shang, J. Ahrenfeldt, U.B. Henriksen, ''Fuel pellets from wheat straw: The effect of lignin glass transition and surface waxes on pelletizing properties''. Bioenerg. Res. 2012a, 5(2), 450-458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-011-9169-8.
      [42] F. Guo, Y. Dong, L. Dong, C. Guo, ''Effect of design and operating parameters on the gasification process of biomass in a downdraft fixed bed: An experimental study''. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2014, 39, 5625-5633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.01.130.
      [43] Y.J. Lu, L.J. Guo, C.M. Ji, X.M. Zhang, X.H. Hao, Q.H. Yan, ''Hydrogen production by biomass gasification in supercritical water-A parametric study''. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2006, 31, 822-831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2005.08.011.
      [44] B.M. Jenkins, L.L. Baxter, T.R. Miles (Jr), T.R. Miles, ''Combustion properties of biomass''. Fuel Process. Technol. 1998, 54, 17-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-3820(97)00059-3.
      [45] J.S. Tumuluru, R.D. Boardman, C.T. Wright, J.R. Hess, ''some chemical compositional changes in miscanthus and white oak sawdust samples during torrefaction''. Energies 2012, 5(10), 3928-3947. https://doi.org/10.3390/en5103928.
      [46] P.A. Jensen, B. Sander, K. Dan-Johasen, ''Pretreatment of straw for power production by pyrolysis and char wash''. Biomass Bioenergy 2001, 20, 431-446. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0961-9534(01)00005-8.
      [47] V. Dillibabu, E. Natarajan, ''Effect of temperature and equivalence ratio on gasification of biomass''. J. Chem. Pharm. Sci. 2014, 4, 92-94.
      [48] C. Lucas, D. Szewczyk, W. Blasiak, S. Mochida, ''High-temperature air and steam gasification of densifies biofuels''. Biomass Bioenergy 2004, 27, 563-575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2003.08.015.
      [49] S. Mamphweli, ''Physics 505 lecture notes''. University of Fort Hare. Unpublished lecture notes, 2009.
      [50] T.G. Bridgeman, J.M. Jones, A. Williams, D.J. Waldron, ''an investigation of the grindability of two torrefied energy crops''. Fuel 2010, 89(12), 3911-3918. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2010.06.043.
      [51] M.J.C. van der Stelt, H. Gerhauser, J.H.A. Kiel, K.J. Ptasinski, ''Biomass upgrading by torrefaction for the production of biofuels: a review''. Biomass Bioenergy 2011, 35(9), 3748-3762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.06.023.
      [52] D.R. Nhuchhen, P. Basu, B. Acharya, ''A comprehensive review on biomass torrefaction''. Int. J. Renew. Energy Biofuels 2014, 1, 1-56.
      [53] S. Chopra, A.K. Jain, ''A review of fixed bed gasification systems for biomass''. Agricultural Engineering International 2007: the CIGR Ejournal. Invited Overview No. 5. Vol. IX.
      [54] K. Kanniappan, ''Production of biomass by gasification using coconut shell''. Int. J. Sci. Res. 2015, 4(5), 1-6.
      [55] U. Arena, ''Process and technological aspects of municipal solid waste gasification. A review''. Waste Managmt. 2012, 32(4), 625-639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2011.09.025.

  • Downloads

  • How to Cite

    Anukam, A., Okoh, O., Mamphweli, S., & Berghel, J. (2018). A comparative analysis of the gasification performances of torrefied and untorrefied bagasse: Influence of feed size, gasifier design and operating variables on gasification efficiency. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(2), 859-867. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i2.8489

    Received date: 2017-10-13

    Accepted date: 2017-11-13

    Published date: 2018-06-01