Biomass to Gas | Gasification

Biomass gasification involves heating solid biomass in an oxygen-starved environment to produce a low or medium calorific gas. Depending on the carbon and hydrogen content of the biomass and the gasifier’s properties, the heating value of the gas produced (syngas) can range from 100 to 500 BTU/cubic foot (10 to 50% of that of natural gas). The heating value of syngas comes from the carbon monoxide and hydrogen produced by the gasification process. The remaining constituents are primarily carbon dioxide, nitrogen (for air-blown systems), a small amount of methane and other incombustible gases.

Biomass gasification offers certain advantages over directly burning biomass; because syngas is free of ash and other chemical compounds, it is suitable for applications such as co-firing and firing in lime kilns.

The syngas can be further cleaned in order to allow it to be fired in engines (e.g., reciprocating engines and turbines) for small scale (< 5MWe) heat and power production. Very clean syngas can also be used as a feedstock for chemical conversion. Catalytic and biological processes are under development for the conversion of syngas to alcohols, Fischer-Tropsch fuels (bio-diesel), DME, synthetic natural gas, and hydrogen.

CanmetENERGY operates a number of fixed and fluidized bed gasification pilot plants and collaborates with Canadian industry leaders. See our facilities section for further information.