Biomass gasification and biogas digestion

N.S. Mamphweli, E.L. Meyer

Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare,

South Africa

FHIT Renewable energy research

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BIOMASS GASIFICATION

• Biomass gasifier converts wood and wood waste into charcoal

giving gas as a by-product.

• The gas is a mixture of CO2, CH4, H2, CO, H2O and N2.

• It has a heating value of 3-6MJ/kg and is used for heating and

electricity generation.

• An example of this is the 150kVA System Johanson Biomass

Gasifier installed at Melani village.

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BIOMASS GASIFICATION

Gasifier

Gas scrubber

Sawdust filter

Gas engine

Sawdust filter

Safety filter

Generator

Cooling pond

Cyclone

Raw gas flare

Clean gas flare

Condensate tank

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BIOMASS GASIFICATION

• Gasifier system manufactured and installed at Melani village.

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SMALL BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT

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THE HAPPY CUSTOMERS

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BIOGAS DIGESTERS

• Biogas digesters convert organic waste into biogas.

• The process is driven by bacterial activity within a specific

temperature range.

• The process takes place in a chamber called a digester.

• Biogas is a mixture of about 60% CH4, CO2, and some

hydrocarbons and is used for heating, cooking, lighting and

electricity generation.

• Examples of these include one digester at Melani village, two

at Fort Cox College and two at the University of Fort Hare.

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BIOGAS DIGESTERS

Digester

Energy converter

Effluent containment

Feed

Gas

Effluent

Pre-mixer

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BIOGAS DIGESTERS

October 2012 10

Contact us at

smamphweli@ufh.ac.za/emeyer@ufh.ac.za

Tel: 0406022311

THANK YOU