Process and Equipment for the Fluidized Bed Oxygen Gasification of wood

Summary

The aim of the research is to develop fluidized bed oxygen gasification of wood. A new process as well as the equipment allowing its implementation are to be developped. The combination of fluidized bed and oxygen allows to obtain a medium BTU gaz free of any nitrogen. The use of fluidized bed allows to reduce wood preparation and feeding. The research project involves the following stages:

• getting kinetic and thermodynamic data with the help of a low thermal inertia research reactor (Universite de Technologie de Compiegne),

• developping and implementing a fluidized bed gasifier that may be fed with wood, bark or sawdust,

• operating the pilot reactor under various conditions.

At the end of June 1981, about 30 tests have been run:

• combustion of wood with air,

• gasification of wood with air,

• gasification of wood with air plus pure oxygen,

• gasification of wood with pure oxygen.

All tests being performed with an inert material as fluidized bed.