[Bioconversion] Re: [Gasification] instead of ethanol -- make natural gas??

[AJH]

On Fri, 11 Nov 2005 20:27:18 EST, Carefreeland at aol.com wrote:

>> 
>> The list is still there, this post should test it. You are still
>> subscribed but there are few posts to it.
>
>DD Ok, I got it but the title was gasification, so I didn't recognise it as a 
>Bioconversion post. 

I used the same text but sent separate posts to gasification and
bioconversion to break the crosspost. You should have received both
copies.


> I addressed this post to both Bioconversion and 
>Gasification - we will see what comes back. 

Your address for bioconversion was the old CREST one, I think it
should only be bioconversion at listserv.repp.org.

>DD To me Bioconversion should include charcoal making if by product is the 
>primary focuse of a project. Gasification is bioconversion to a gaseous fuel 
>which calls for a special group of processes.

There are bound to be blurred edges. The list description is
"Discussion of biological conversion to fuels and chemicals" which is
a bit ambiguous. I'm happy that it should encompass any conversion
where the aim is to use the fuel away from its point of conversion.
This would encompass charcoal making, biodiesel or pyrolysis oil
production, the forming of Jeff's fireballs for subsequent use in a
gasifier, the making of pellets, even the drying of dung. The main
point is that a process is involved that "refines" the biomass into a
form suitable for a downstream process. We'll have to defer to the
list owner to make sure this does not step on another list's toes.

>DD Are fireballs a new invention or a variation of an old one?  I used to 
>make pyrotechnic breaking shell stars, with a gelatin binder, by wet rolling them 
>in my hands. 

No it's not new as this is how candies were formed and it is common in
other industries, Jeff's application using ready to hand equipment, to
refine a fuel for a gasifier is an innovation I think.

I think the technique bears looking at because Jeff comments on the
wish to use char that is already in a dusty form, after we here how
these fireballs stand up in a gasifier it will be interesting to hear
what calorific value and bulk density they manage. I have said I the
past that pellets from ring dies are actually better bulk density than
required.

Following on from Kevin's concerns I worry that nutrient depletion
from short rotation crops, like grasses or young coppice, will not be
sustainable in comparison with a well managed timber stand where only
the main stem is removed.

Try to cut gasification and follow up to bioconversion if you reply,
please.

AJH