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Abstract: Gasification of biomass using high-temperature agents (air/steam) has been proven to have many features superior to those of conventional gasification using low-temperature agents. In this work, an experimental fixed-bed gasifier is utilized to investigate the gasification of biomass using high-temperature air up to 1473 K. A mathematical model has been formulated for the prediction of the main chemical and physical processes and is used to study the influence of temperature, oxygen concentration and flow rate of the feed gas. Predicted gas species concentration profiles and their maximum values are in reasonable agreements with the measurements. The results show that: (a) When the temperature of feed gas is increased, a higher gasification rate, a higher ignition front rate, and higher molar fractions of fuel gases (CO, H2 and C m H n ), thus a higher LHV are obtained. (b) Increased oxygen concentration leads to higher peak values of the fuel gas concentrations, a higher gasification rate, and a larger ignition front rate. (c) Based on the air temperature, two distinct ignition modes are identified: the reaction-controlled and convective-controlled modes. (d) A critical air temperature exists, above which further preheating is no longer efficient if the purpose is to maximise the yield of gaseous products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Experiments on gasification of chars obtained from original and pulverised wood pellets were conducted in atmosphere of water steam and nitrogen under temperatures of 800, 900 and 950°C. Molar flow rates of carbon containing product gases were measured and approximated using different models with respect to extents of carbon conversion in char of the pellets. Comparison of the random pore, grain and volumetric models revealed the best applicability for approximations of the random pore model. Apparent activation energies obtained as a result of application of the models to the data from experiments with char of original pellets were higher in comparison to those of pulverised pellets, except for a grain model. Approximations under 800°C showed relatively big deviations from experimental data on the beginning of char gasification. This is attributed to catalytic effects from alkali metals in the pellets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]