[Gasification] Electronic Ignition for Gasifiers

[Jonathan Pratt]

Tom Reed/List,

Please comment about ignition systems for gasifiers.  I presume this ground 
has been covered especially for commercial gasifiers but what if any 
automatic ignition systems might be available for smaller gasifiers for 
heating and small power 10kw-100kw generation?

Near as I can tell something very close to existing furnace ignition systems 
could be used theoretically with minor modifications to the ignition control 
module to cold start a gasifier.  This would probably require a small gas 
source like butane or propane to drive a pilot which heat's the charcoal 
zone.

The sequence being (simplified):

Sequence is initiated by thermostat or on switch, or some other control 
indicating heat or electricity is needed so gasifier start operation begins.

Pilot (from butane or propane) lights started by spark ignition system 
Gasifier blower (fan) is started on low to draw air through the unit as the 
pilot flame contacts the charcoal

Exhaust gasses are directed to flue

Pilot stays on for 30 sec or until a thermocouple indicates sufficient 
reaction temp in the charcoal zone.

Selanoids switch gas flow from flue to engine/genset or burner.

When proper gasification reaction temps are obtained in charcoal zone then a 
genset or burner is turned on via another starter/lighter

If burner fails to light or engine fails to start sequence is re-started 
(maybe 3 times?) after failing 3 times system goes into failsafe or 
shutdown.

If reaction temps in charcoal zone are never obtained after a few minutes 
system goes into failsafe or shutdown.


The system would be particularly simple for just heating applications with 
no or little filtration/cooling systems and just a burner to ignite.  Such a 
system would be closest to what an off the shelf furnace ignition system 
might be used for.  I picture some kind of small container of butane for the 
pilot with a selanoid going to maybe an off the shelf furnace spark ignitor 
directed into the charcoal zone of the gasifier.

Any known systems that work exactly like this or has anyone tried to modify 
an off the shelf system to an applicaiton like this?  PLC controls?

The Community Power Corp. gasifier looks like they must have such a system 
developed to be automated as it is.

Maybe Tom Reed/Doug Williams can comment


Thanks,

Jonathan Pratt