Performance on Biomass Gasification of Groundnut Shell in Down Draft Fixed Bed Reacter

Biomasses down draft reactors, coupled with reciprocating internal combustion engines are a variable technology to produce heat and power generation. Gasification of biomass is a thermo-chemical conversion process where the carbonaceous feed stocks are partially oxidized into a mixture of gases consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane, commonly known as producer gas. Gasification of biomass is a renewable and sustainable option for hydrogen generation. Producer gas can be used for hydrogen generation and for combined heat and power (CHP) applications. Producer gas engines working in dual fuel mode with diesel and modified natural gas engines with 100% producer gas substitution are currently in use. Gasification parameters like reactor temperature (T), equivalence ratio (ER) and steam to biomass ratio (SBR) play major roles in determining quantity and quality of the gasification products. Generally in biomass gasification, locally available feed stocks are preferred . Among the various biomasses available, the feasibility of groundnut shell as a feedstock for gasification in a down draft fixed bed gasifier has been investigated experimentally in terms of gas composition particularly hydrogen content. The hydrogen yield in air gasification mode reached a maximum of 12.45 % (Vol. %) at an operating condition of T= 760°C and ER = 0.24. A maximum hydrogen yield of 14.7 % (Vol. %) was obtained during air-steam gasification when the operating conditions were maintained at reactor temperature of 740 °C, ER = 0.26 and SBR = 0.3