Gasification of ‘Loose’ Groundnut Shells in a Throathless Downdraft Gasifier

Aondoyila Kuhe (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State,)
Samuel Jacob Aliyu (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State)

International Journal of Renewable Energy Development
Vol 4, No 2 (2015): July 2015

In this paper, gasification potential of biomass residue was investigated using a laboratory scale throatless downdraft gasifier. Experimental results of groundnut shell was gasified in the throatless downdraft gasifier to produce a clean gas with a calorific value of around 5.92 MJ/Nm3 and a combustible fraction of 45% v/v. Low moisture (8.6%) and ash content (3.19%) are the main advantages of groundnut shells for gasification. It is suggested that gasification of shell waste products is a clean energy alternative to fossil fuels. The product gas can be used efficiently for heating and possible usage in internal combustion engines.