Gasification is a manufacturing
process where different types of fuel (also called feedstock) such as coal, wood and other biomasses are reduced and the resultant gases are used to provide energy.
The process that takes place is - the feedstock undergoes a chemical change, the hydrocarbons contained in the feedstock are released (creating a syngas) and a residue is left behind.
The syngas is the base material for the creation of other materials (such as fertilisers) and energy sources. Those energy souces include - hydrogen, steam and electric power. (Gasification Technologies Council, 2008)
How does it work - wood process?
* The fuel (feedstock) is fed into the gasifier unit (over fire)
* A low tempreature, low velocity fire releases hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the wood waste
* The gas is then compressed
* The as is blown into a boiler where air is introduced to create combustion
* Ash left over in the gasifier is mechanically removed (Windsor Kilns, 2009)
Windsor intend to install a 1MW (mega watt) gasifier at the Forestry School later this year. The gasifier will power two small kilns, and will allow research to take place around fuel types, outputs and training opportunities.
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