Gasification of non-woody biomass: A literature review

Abstract

Non-woody biomass, having lower cellulose content than woody materials, is a common waste material found in agricultural processing plants and fields. Non-woody biomass is often bulky and has a comparatively low energy content. However, non-woody materials sourced from agricultural waste are abundant and cheap. Experimental studies into gasification of non-woody biomass have been conducted by various researchers. This paper reviews feedstock characteristics, pre-treatments, gasification methods, and future direction of this technology. Due to the heterogeneous nature of non-woody biomass, it is critical to apply suitable pre-treatments prior to gasification. Combining non-woody biomass with a small percentage of high grade carbon sourced from biochar or coal into fuel pellets for co-gasification has the potential to improve fuel quality. Synergistic effects of nonwoody biomass-charcoal co-gasification can also reduce tar formation and increase the occurrence of mineral based catalytic reactions. Factors influencing these effects are often complex and require further investigation. 15-20% of fuel pellets energy content may be needed to power the biomass pre-treatment process. The gasification of pelletised non-woody waste provides an attractive alternative fuel source to achieve agricultural energy self-sufficiency and off-grid operation.

Investigation of biomass (pine wood) gasification: Experiments and Aspen Plus simulation

“…There are many types of biomass feedstocks that show a variety of characteristics, and the current standard for selecting a feedstock varies according to product needs . Biomass resources can be converted into multiple forms of energy through two types of process: (a) biochemical and (b) thermochemical .…”

“…6,7 There are many types of biomass feedstocks that show a variety of characteristics, and the current standard for selecting a feedstock varies according to product needs. 8 Biomass resources can be converted into multiple forms of energy through two types of process: (a) biochemical and (b) thermochemical. 9,10 A biochemical process decomposes the biomass into flammable gas rich in CH 4 and H 2 by the action of microorganisms under specific conditions.…”

Evaluación Sinérgica de la Gasificación de Biomasa Residual en Mezclas de Maíz y Algodón

“…Es notable una reducción importante en la variabilidad del LHV y la composición en presencia de mezcla, posiblemente por la mejora del tránsito de la biomasa y un empaquetamiento más compacto generado por los espacios menores entre TM llenados con CA (Ver Fig. 9a) generando un lecho más denso, reduciendo con estas infiltraciones de oxígeno y evitando la generación de zonas de oxidación indeseadas (Widjaya et al, 2018).…”

Chemical engineering role in the use of renewable energy and alternative carbon sources in chemical production

“…There are essentially two routes to produce chemicals from organic waste, particularly from MSW and excluding reuse or recycling technologies which are tailored for specific waste and not suited for mixed wastes: pyrolysis [39][40][41] and gasification [42][43][44]. By (fast) pyrolysis a liquid fuel and a gas component, with the former especially characterized by a large range of products and quite low quality, are produced (with eventually also a solid residue).…”