What is Biomass
Biomass is the name given to any recent organic matter that has been derived from plants as a result of photosynthetic conversion process. Biomass energy is derived from plant and animal material, such as wood from forests, residues from agricultural and forestry processes, and industrial, human or animal wastes.
The energy value of biomass from plant matter originally comes from solar energy through the process known as photosynthesis. The Chemical energy that is stored in plants and animals (that eat plants or other animals), or in the wastes that they produce, is called bioenergy. During conversion processes such as combustion (burning), biomass releases its energy, often in the form of heat, and the carbon is reoxidised to carbon dioxide to replace that which was absorbed while the plant was growing, essentially, the use of biomass for energy is the reversal of photosynthesis.
This process we called photosynthesis which we can safely say that allows all life form from earth to be self contained self regulating solar thermal reactive chemical life form which stores the energy into its cellular structure. If we look closely at the process of photosynthesis, we can see the chemical reactive therein.
By tapping into this process of the clinical death or end process of survival of an organism, we can use this procedure to release the energy within.
The process of photosynthesis:
CARBON DIOXIDE +2H2O (HEAT AND LIGHT) ([CH2O] + WATER) + OXYGEN
This process tell us that CH2O is the component that we are looking for which releases the carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, oxygen and methane.
The resource used for the production of energy will give varied results due to chemical and biological properties of the particular matter. But there are other ways to offset such reaction so that the result can be favorable.
Hydrogen-rich gas from Biomass Conversion
Objectives of the project
The objective of the project is the development of a burning process in the combustor for the production of a hydrogen rich gas from biomass. The conversion process is based on an Internally Circulating Ionized Plate configuration with a combustion zone. In order to achieve the necessary high hydrogen yield, an alloy has been chosen as the gasification agent and catalysts will be included in the Special Reactive Reactor chamber. With this process it is to produce 40% - 60% hydrogen. This project demonstrates one powerful application of the produced gas, as a replacement of coal or diesel fuel for the powder resin plant and later for the production of electric energy which will be integrated in the process.
Our plan to be the leading provider of Biomass Conversion which generates clean renewable “Gas” (ProGas) which in turn provide fuel for generating clean renewable energy and power as well as fuel for cogeneration and trigeneration plants.
The Process
The process of ProGas is essentially the devioliotalization of organic matter and converting this condensable volatile matter to rich hydrogen gas component which can be utilized in a variety of uses.
The fact behind such process is that any organic carbon based life form requires two components for survival,
1. Food from other life form, e.g. animal or plants.
2. Plant life being the first part of the food chain using sun and nutrient from the earth and air.
• The process of Pyrolysis gives three groups of products.
– a solid – (Known as activated carbon or charcoal)
– a liquid – (known as pyroligeneous acid or what we call wood vinegar)
– a mixture of gases – (CO, H2)
The Procedure
The ProGas is a two stage process:
1. Incineration 2. Special Reactive Reactor Chamber (SRR)
(Combustor)
1. Incineration(Combustor Chamber)
This is where thermal conversion process takes place.
Biological matter will be devolotized at a critical level at the combustion chamber (up to 800°C-1000°C). This flame provides heat for pyrolysis thereby releasing a mixture of gases and vapors into the cyclone, hydro cyclone and the special reactive reactor chambers at a control temperature, thereby producing a residue of sterile carbon matter or char.
The gas and vapors emerging from the combustor is hot and laden with dust, tar and particulates. These materials have to be removed properly or cleaned up. This amounts to 99% removal of all dust particles.
The principal advantages of this one stage process are very simple, the direct heat transfer from the gases to the biomass is very efficient, and the process is largely self-regulating.
The types of separation equipment and their respective capabilities and suitability, and shown below.
2. Gas Cleaning
Gas cleaning will be done when the mixtures gas produce
from the combustor has been passed through a five stage
purification and treatment process.
i. Cyclone :
Solid particles, called dust, fumes are pre filter at this point. The cyclone separates the contaminants into one stream and the gas into another stream. From here it travels to the next chamber which is the SRR chamber.
ii. Special Reactive Reactor Chamber(SRR):
Here it improves the particle-capture efficiency. The scrubbing gas particles are fed into the top of the column and flows downward from point to point;
A catalyst was used to break down the gas further thereby insuring purity.
The gases to be scrubbed are absorbed by this alloy and crystals catalysts. The purity of hydrogen was very high by using this catalyst. The reaction time between the catalyst and the gas was quite immediate.
The atomized droplets gases rapidly agglomerate in the diffuser section, where collection through diffusion continues. Entrained vapors containing captured contaminants are separated inertially from the cleaned gas.
The tar is collected at the bottom of the scrubber
iii. Hydro Cyclone:
The scrubbed gases have a very high humidity from 80% humidity to the saturation point. Further condensation can be expected to occur either as the gas comes out. It filters of the fine and minute dust particles. Finally the gas goes through this reaction to be purified into hydrogen.
The Complete Progas System
A complete system requires means to store and possibly dry the biomass, to feed the biomass, to remove the char-ash, to push or pull the gas through the system, to clean the gas, and to burn the gas for the resin powder plant.
A complete system also requires instruments to measure pressure, flow rates, and temperatures at crucial points, and controls to establish the required condition and controls.
Ideally, the Progas system of the future will operate automatically and unattended which required an integrated operation of a number of components. It is desirable to have automatic controls and warning system in balance and to warn the operator when a particular component needs attention.
Progas system is to provide clean combustion heat and electricity to the plant.
BENEFITS & ADVANTAGES
The benefits of this project proposal can be summarized as follows:
This priority and strategic project under the 8th Malaysian plan for renewable energy is of strategic importance to the nation because;
· Hydrogen fuel technology is the new science for the millennium.
· Hydrogen fuel creates a cleaner and healthier environment for the nation.
· Strengthen national competitiveness through reduction in energy cost.
· Export Malaysian products and technology of world class standard to the global market.
· Hydrogen fuel has the potential to reduce the energy of fuel cost of the nation by 50% making the nation more competitive globally.
· There is unlimited water resource for the production of hydrogen.
· Job opportunities and wealth generation through vertical and horizontal multiplier effect on hydrogen economy.
· Hydrogen Economy will create new industries based on hydrogen technology.
· The cost of using hydrogen gas as fuel or hot water or steam production is the most economical fuel compared to diesel fuel, LPG gas and coal.
· In line with Government’s 8th Malaysian Plan to source for renewable green energy.
· Energy or fuel constitutes about 20% to 40% of manufacturing cost in many industries(textile, wood, rubber, food, hospitality) and a 50% fuel saving will make Malaysian production cost more competitively globally.
· Clean fuel source will also eliminate the need for additional and expensive environmental control system in the manufacturing sector
