More Details on the Gasification Process Part 2

In the last blog entry it was mentioned that plasma-arc plasma gasification is just one type of gasification. Other
common forms include (1) updraft, (2) downdraft, (3) fixed bed and (4) fluidized bed. The first two are quick
similar with exception of the gas flow. This entry looks to discuss in slightly more in depth the differences between
these types.
In the updraft (sometimes referred to as counter current), air/oxidant is injected from the bottom and the
material enters at the top. Following gravity, the material is dried then reduced to char (pyrolyis) and finally any
ungasified solid remnant is burned. This type has a high energy efficiency because of the heat exchange between
the rising gas and descending material. The main issue is the high concentration of oils and/or tars in the syngas,
which must be cleaned prior to any utilization, which can decrease the overall efficiency. Updraft gasifier usage is
generally focused to direct heating applications as little to no gas cleaning is necessary. PEATs plasma-arc plasma
gasification process is configured similarly in that the feedstock material is fed from the top, however it also has
similarities to a fluidized bed (see below) in that the vitrified material in PEATs plasma-arc plasma gasification is
maintained in a somewhat molten form.
In a downdraft gasifier (or co current), the gas is drawn out from below through a combustion zone. The material
and oxidant flow in the same direction. Compared to the updraft configuration, the gas tends to be cleaner with
fewer tars the reason being in a downdraft configuration the tars (product from any pyrolysis phase) have to pass
through a higher-temperature oxidization zone. The key I in a downdraft design is temperature maintenance and if
the feedstocks vary in composition and moisture content, this can be difficult to achieve. The gas must rapidly
cooled prior to be used.
Finally, a fluidized bed, which is more common in large plants, has a hot bed of sand located at the bottom of the
gasifier. Gas clean-up is key as many times tar and ash can be found in the syngas. Waste is typically shredded or
pulverized prior to being fed from the top.