Page 17 - Biomass Gasification, Pyrolysis And Torrefaction Practical Design and Theory

xvi Preface

design methodology whenever possible. Additionally, it brings into focus new
advanced processes such as supercritical water gasification and torrefaction
of biomass.
This book comprises 13 chapters and a number of appendices, which
include several tables that could be useful for the design of biomass conver-
sion units and their components. Chapter 1 introduces readers to the art of
different forms of biomass energy conversion and its present state of art.
It also discusses the motivations for such conversion in the context of current
energy scenario around the world. A brief introduction to economic issues
around biomass utilization is available in Chapter 2. The properties of bio-
mass, especially those relevant to gasification, torrefaction, and pyrolysis
of biomass are included in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 discusses the principles of
torrefaction and its recent developments. It also includes a simple method
for design of a torrefaction plant. The basics of pyrolysis are included in
Chapter 5 that discusses in some details on biochar, a new option for carbon
sequestration and soil remediation.
Chapter 6 deals with an important practical problem of biomass
gasification—the tar issue. This chapter provides information on the limits of
tar content in product gas for specific applications. Chapter 7 concerns the
basics of the gasification of biomass. It explains the gasification process and
important chemical reactions that guide pyrolysis and gasification. Chapter 8
discusses design methodologies for gasifiers and presents some worked-out
examples on design problems. Chapter 9 hydrothermal gasification of bio-
mass, with specific reference to gasification in supercritical water. In recent
past, there is much interest in partial substitution of coal with greenhouse
gas (GHG) neutral biomass in existing coal-fired power plant. This near term
cost effective means for reduction in GHG from coal-fired plants is presented
in Chapter 10 that discusses the basics and different aspects of this new option
of biomass energy conversion.
The production of chemicals and synthetic fuels is gaining importance,
so Chapter 11 provides a brief outline of how some important chemicals and
fuels are produced from biomass through gasification. Production of diesel
and bio-gasoline along with Fischer Tropsch synthesis process are also
discussed briefly here. One of the common, but often neglected, problems in
the design of biomass plant is the handling of biomass. Chapter 12 discusses
issues related to this and provides guidelines for the design and selection of
handling and feeding equipment. Chapter 13 presents a brief discussion
of some commonly used analytical techniques for measurement of important
properties of biomass that are essential for design of a biomass energy con-
version system. Appendix A contains definitions of biomass, Appendix B lists
physical constants and conversion units, and Appendix C includes several
tables containing design data. Glossary presents definitions of some terms used
commonly in the chemical and gasification industries.