Experimental investigation on an entrained flow type biomass gasification system using coconut coir dust as powdery biomass feedstock

Based on an entrained flow concept, a prototype atmospheric gasification system has been designed and developed in the laboratory for gasification of powdery biomass feedstock such as rice husks, coconut coir dust, saw dust etc. The reactor was developed by adopting L/D (height to diameter) ratio of 10, residence time of about 2 s and a turn down ratio (TDR) of 1.5. The experimental investigation was carried out using coconut coir dust as biomass feedstock with a mean operating feed rate of 40 kg/h The effects of equivalence ratio in the range of 0.21–0.3, steam feed at a fixed flow rate of 12 kg/h, preheat on reactor temperature, product gas yield and tar content were investigated. The gasifier could able to attain high temperatures in the range of 976–1100 °C with gas lower heating value (LHV) and peak cold gas efficiency (CGE) of 7.86 MJ/Nm3 and 87.6% respectively.

► An entrained flow gasifier has been successfully tried with coconut coir dusts.
► The gasifier could attain temperatures in the range of 976–1100 °C.
► The gas yield and tar content were influenced by introduction of steam and preheat.
► The LHV and peak CGE of 7.86 MJ/Nm3 and 87.6% respectively were obtained.