Patent ID: 7736402
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: C10J,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a gasifier that includes a wall structure defining a gasification chamber having a fuel inlet at an upper end thereof and an outlet at a lower end, a generally U-shaped tube having a base and first and second substantially vertical limbs, the first limb of the tube being positioned to receive material from the outlet of the gasification chamber and the second limb terminating upwardly at a level above the outlet of the gasification chamber, said method comprising: supplying biomass to the gasification chamber by way of the fuel inlet, initiating combustion of biomass in the gasification chamber, whereby water present in the biomass evolves as water vapor, inducing a flow of gas through the gasification chamber and the U-shaped tube, whereby air is drawn into the gasification chamber and supports combustion of biomass in the gasification chamber to form CO restricting supply of air to the gasification chamber such that the supply of air is insufficient to permit complete combustion of biomass in the gasification chamber, whereby char is formed in the gasification chamber and substantially fills the base of the U-shaped tube, and char in the U-shaped tube reacts endothermically with water vapor and CO