International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Volume 6 Issue 9, September 2017 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Development of a Small Scale Biomass Gasifier and Testing of Various Feedstock Prakash Giri 1 , Kailash Thapa 2 , Rejit Dulal 3 , Dr. Bivek Baral 4 Abstract: Biomass is good source of energy in the field of renewable energy. Conventionally, use of biomass was made for simple firing purposes, for cooking and heating. However, more extensive use of biomass is seen in gasification process that may permit electrical utilities to obtain a portion of their fuel requirements from renewable energy sources. Gasification processes convert biomass into combustible gases. Biomass Gasification is a chemical process that converts biomass into useful convenient gaseous fuels or chemical feedstock. It has emerged as a promising technology to fulfill the increasing energy demands of the world, as well as to reduce significantly the volume of biomass waste generated in developing societies [1]. Maize cones, Maize steam, Pine needle and Cones, Hog Plum Seeds, Furniture Waste, Sugarcane Waste, etc. which has no food value can be used to produce syngas. Maize cones, Pine cones, Hog Plum seeds are compact and need no fuel modification while Pine Needles need to be modified because of its low density. Maize Steam, Furniture wastes and Sugarcane wastes may or may not require fuel modifications. For this academic research, three different fuels – corncobs, sugarcane residue and wood had been selected. Proximate analysis was done at National Product Research laboratory, Kathmandu and syngas composition and temperature were found by experimental setup on 12 KW downdraft gasification systems, manufactured at Gasifier Engine Research Laboratory of Kathmandu University. Keywords: Biomass, Gasification, Syngas 1. Introduction Biomass is one of the major sources in the sector of renewable energy. Combustion of biomass in improved biogas gasifier aids in application of improved conversion methods, such as gasification, that match biomass energy to processed liquid and gaseous fuels so that it could be utilized for energy generation. Rural areas of developing countries are very dependent on biomass fuels such as firewood and dried dung for their energy consumption. This use of energy is often coupled with many problems such as deforestation, land degrade, various health and social problems as well as giving raise to emissions of greenhouse gases[2]. In many areas biomass can be used as a replacement for these fuels and can help solve many of the problems that are associated with fossil fuels. Biomass is converted into combustible gases by gasification. This thermo-chemical conversion of biomass leads to generation of gas generally termed as producer gas or syngas. The syngas is a combustible mixture consisting of mostly carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The main purpose of biomass gasification or syngas is to substitute the fossil fuel consumption in IC engines throughout the load and speed ranges [3]. Gasification is a chemical process that converts carbonaceous materials like biomass into useful convenient gaseous fuels or chemical feedstock. Pyrolysis, partial oxidation, and hydrogenation are related processes. Combustion also converts carbonaceous materials into product gases, but there are some important differences. For example, combustion product gas does not have useful heating value, but product gas from gasification does. Gasification packs energy into chemical bonds while combustion releases it. Gasification takes place in reducing (oxygen-deficient) environments requiring heat; combustion takes place in an oxidizing environment giving off heat [4]. 2. Problem Statement People need good access to energy systems for smooth development of the society. But there are still some rural locations in Nepal where people don’t have access to regular supply of energy/electricity provided by Nepal Electricity Authority. Thus, Gasifier system is considered to be one of the easy and portable systems to install in locations where these communities can have good access to energy systems. Objectives The bio-based energy sources are one of the major renewable energy sources to meet demand for access to clean, safe and sustainable domestic energy services for people. It may also serve to meet demand for transportation fuels. Keeping this in mind, the main aim of this research was targeted to select a best feedstock for the designed biomass gasifier from among some of the available feed stocks in context of Nepal. The specific objectives of the research were:  To develop small scale biomass gasifier at Gasifier Engine Research Lab, Kathmandu University  To make comparative analysis between wood (Alnus Nepalensis), Sugarcane Residue (Bagasse) and Corn Cobs on the basis of Temperature achieved, Hydrocarbons and Gas Composition  To recommend best alternatives among selected feedstock for downdraft biomass gasifier designed in Gasifier Engine Research Lab, Kathmandu University Development of Downdraft Biomass Gasifier at the Laboratory The design and development of 12kW downdraft biomass gasifier was prime necessity for the test using selected feedstock as fuels to make analysis regarding time, temperature and gas compositions to suggest the best alternative for the design. Thus a downdraft Gasifier was developed at the laboratory by utilizing locally available materials, including Liquefied Paper ID: ART20176433 DOI: 10.21275/ART20176433 285