Experimental and modeling analysis of a batch gasification/pyrolysis reactor

This paper presents some experimental results about biomass gasification obtained with a bench-scale gasifier consisting of an indirectly heated batch reactor, inserted in a high temperature furnace. Spruce wood has been used as feedstock in different forms and sizes (as pellets and sawdust). The experimental activity includes the analysis of the thermal response of the system (using an inert bed material) and the characterization of the gasification products. The yield of the gaseous compounds found in the syngas has been measured using an on-line gas-chromatography technique. The experimental results have been compared against calculations obtained by applying a thermochemical equilibrium model, improved to predict both the gas and the solid phase product yields. The experimental (average) yield of reaction products has been found to be in a satisfying agreement with the thermodynamic model.