Continuous-Flow Rice Husk Gasifier For Small-Scale Thermal Applications
Continuous-Flow Rice Husk Gasifier For Small-Scale Thermal Applications
Alexis T. Belonio
Central Philippine University
Iloilo City, Philippines
Performance testing and evaluation showed that the gasifier can be successfully
operated in a continuous mode. Firing of the reactor can be start-up evenly by
using only few pieces of paper and by sprinkling kerosene at the bottom of the
fuel bed. Once spontaneous combustion of fuel is attained, combustible gases
The gasifier can be used to supply combustible gases and effectively burns fuel
either in a jet-type, pipe-type, or drum-type gasifier burner. The char that is
produced from the gasifier is completely black (40% of rice husk), which is good
for soil conditioning.
The cost of the gasifier is P35,000.00 per unit (1 US$ = 55 PHP). It requires a
single person to attend its entire operation. Operating the gasifier entails a total
electric power consumption of 0.4 kW. The computed payback period is less
than 1 year when compared with LPG burner.
The continuous-flow rice husk gasifier is of more advantage than the dual reactor
rice husk gasifier primarily in terms of current investment cost. Instead of using
two reactors, only one reactor is used which means lesser material cost. Other
features of the continuous-flow rice husk gasifier are: (1) It is convenient to
operate in which reloading of rice husk and unloading of char are eliminated; (2)
It saves space since it has only one reactor; and (3) The size of the reactor can
be scaled up or down, depending on the requirement of the client.
Individuals and organizations who are willing to adopt the technology may
contact the Project Director, Appropriate Technology Center, Department of
Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Management, College of Agriculture,
Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, Philippines. Landline: 063-033-3291971
loc 1071. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: 06309167115222