Experimental Study of a Lab Scale Hybrid Fixed Bed Gasifier

Abstract

Thermo-chemical conversion technologies (incineration, gasification and pyrolysis) have emerged as potential technologies for municipal solid waste management (MSWM). This is happening due to the increase of the need for clean and sustainable energy as a result of fossil fuel depletion. The increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation as well as land scarcity for MSW disposal is another reason in raising the potential for thermal technology. Incineration has been the most common thermo-chemical technology for solid waste disposal. However, due to environmental concern, gasification technology is currently becoming more preferable since it is environmental friendly for MSW disposal as well as energy recovery. The aim of this study is to analyze the flue gases obtained from the hybrid fixed bed gasifier during gasification of MSW. The fire was initiated by wood charcoal and six kilograms of MSW was fed in the gasifier. The combustion was supported by the air supplied by electric blower. The flue gas analyzer, TESTO 327-1 was used to analyze the concentration of CO, CO2 and O2. Results show that after 150 minutes of the gasification process, O2 concentration increased by 17.2% while CO and CO2 decreased by 0.0% and 3.77% respectively. The experimental results show that, during gasification process the O2 concentration was increasing with time while CO and CO2 concentration decreased.