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

*Aondoyila Kuhe -  Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State,, Niger
Samuel Jacob Aliyu -  Department of Mechanical Engineering, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Niger
Published: 15 Jul 2015.
Open Access
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Section: Original Research Article
Language: EN
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In Vol 4, No 2 (2015): July 2015
Statistics: 685 742
Abstract
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.

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