A system is described for automatically processing biomass using a series of mechanisms that operate in unison to maintain solids flow through small gasifiers that are otherwise prone to blockage. The system can include an anti jamming mechanism to automatically clear jams within said gasifier using input from at least one sensor.

A system is described for automatically processing biomass using a series of mechanisms that operate in unison to maintain solids flow through small gasifiers that are otherwise prone to blockage. The system can include an anti jamming mechanism to automatically clear jams within said gasifier using input from at least one sensor.

A fixed bed gasifier has a clinker breakup device. The tapping element of the clinker breakup device can be positioned at different points, allowing the tapping element to be small but capable of reaching all regions of the fuel particle bed. The tapping element intermittently enters the fuel particle bed in gasifying operation. Before it re-enters the bed, the drive mechanism adjusts the position of the tapping element so that it does not enter the same tapping channel again. Repeated local spiking at different times and locations moves the gasifier bed and disrupts the sintering of clinker particles that can block the gasifier cross section. Gas continues to flow through individual zones over the entire cross section, and not just in the tapped channel. Lumps of clinker that have sintered together are conveyed onward—toward the support device—or else broken up.

Embodiments of the invention improve the performance, safety, and efficiency of the gasification process. Embodiments of the invention improve downdraft gasification by improving upon the systems and methods for fuel preparation and by addressing gasifier bridging and channeling. Unique parts of the system include a unique hearth and grate design, a programmable logic controller and interface for managing the gasification process, an improved filtration system, a unique system for eliminating mist, a unique system for cooling gas, a unique combined flare, an integrated auger system, and a new system and method for sampling gas.

Embodiments of the invention improve the performance, safety, and efficiency of the gasification process. Embodiments of the invention improve downdraft gasification by improving upon the systems and methods for fuel preparation and by addressing gasifier bridging and channeling. Unique parts of the system include a unique hearth and grate design, a programmable logic controller and interface for managing the gasification process, an improved filtration system, a unique system for eliminating mist, a unique system for cooling gas, a unique combined flare, an integrated auger system, and a new system and method for sampling gas.

A downdraft fixed-bed gasifier for producing product gas from pourable biomass particles includes a gasifier container, a gasifier component, a feeder, an air supply inlet, a grate and a product gas vent. The gasifier container has a larger diameter than does the gasifier component. The lower open end of the gasifier component extends down into the gasifier container. The feeder is adapted to receive biomass particles into the upper closed end of the gasifier component. Combustion air is fed into the gasifier component through the air supply inlet located near the upper closed end. The grate supports the biomass particles and is disposed in a lower portion of the gasifier container below the lower open end of the gasifier component. Product gas generated from oxidizing the biomass particles exits the gasifier container through the product gas vent located in the side of the container below the level of the grate.

A process for the generation of energy and/or hydrocarbons and other products utilizing carbonaceous materials. In a first process stage (P1) the carbonaceous materials are supplied and are pyrolysed, wherein pyrolysis coke (M21) and pyrolysis gas (M22) are formed. In a second process stage (P2), the pyrolysis coke (M21) from the first process stage (P1) is gasified, wherein synthesis gas (M24) is formed, and slag and other residues (M91, M92, M93, M94) are removed. In a third process stage (P3), the synthesis gas (M24) from the second process stage (P2) is converted into hydrocarbons and/or other solid, liquid, and/or gaseous products (M60), which are discharged. The three process stages (P1, P2, P3) form a closed cycle. Surplus gas (M25) from the third process stage (P3) is passed as recycle gas into the first process stage (P1), and/or the second process stage (P2), and pyrolysis gas (M22) from the first process stage (P1) is passed into the second process stage (P2), and/or the third process stage (P3).

A process for the generation of energy and/or hydrocarbons and other products utilizing carbonaceous materials. In a first process stage (P1) the carbonaceous materials are supplied and are pyrolysed, wherein pyrolysis coke (M21) and pyrolysis gas (M22) are formed. In a second process stage (P2), the pyrolysis coke (M21) from the first process stage (P1) is gasified, wherein synthesis gas (M24) is formed, and slag and other residues (M91, M92, M93, M94) are removed. In a third process stage (P3), the synthesis gas (M24) from the second process stage (P2) is converted into hydrocarbons and/or other solid, liquid, and/or gaseous products (M60), which are discharged. The three process stages (P1, P2, P3) form a closed cycle. Surplus gas (M25) from the third process stage (P3) is passed as recycle gas into the first process stage (P1), and/or the second process stage (P2), and pyrolysis gas (M22) from the first process stage (P1) is passed into the second process stage (P2), and/or the third process stage (P3).

A system is described for automatically processing biomass using a series of mechanisms that operate in unison to maintain solids flow through small gasifiers that are otherwise prone to blockage. The system can include an anti jamming mechanism to automatically clear jams within said gasifier using input from at least one sensor.

A system is described for automatically processing biomass using a series of mechanisms that operate in unison to maintain solids flow through small gasifiers that are otherwise prone to blockage. The system can include an anti jamming mechanism to automatically clear jams within said gasifier using input from at least one sensor.