Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification.
- The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only.
- The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not in internal combustion engines.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- Biomass gasification is an important thermal chemical process that converts any carbonaceous biomass to gaseous products. Compared with traditional coal gasification, biomass gasification takes place at a lower temperature (~ 900 °C) due to the essential nature of biomass. Agricultural residues such as coconut shells, groundnut shells, rice husk, wood chips, and bagasse are commonly used as feedstock in biomass gasifiers.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- The product of gasification, syngas, mainly contains H2, CO, CO2, CH4, and some C2 + hydrocarbons.
Statement 3 is incorrect
- The syngas (synthetic gas) generated from biomass gasification can be used in internal combustion engines after proper cleaning and conditioning, apart from being used for direct heat generation or electricity production.
