Operation of the TAMU Fluidized Bed Gasifier Using Different Biomass Feedstock

The fluidized bed gasifier (FBG) developed at the Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas was tested using poultry litter, wood chips and cotton gin trash (CGT) as feedstock. The FBG has a diameter of 305 mm and operates at a temperature approximately 760°C (1400°F) and a feeding rate about 70 kg/hr. The synthesis gas produced was analyzed. Preliminary tests showed that the gas quality is lower than the previous runs due to a decrease in hydrogen production. This initial evaluation suggests that further testing of the gasifier should be made to optimize the operating conditions and be able to produce the expected gasification products. It is also proposed to do additional tests using other available feedstock such as high biomass sorghum and switchgrass.