[Gasification] Electronic Ignition for Gasifiers

[doug.williams]

Hi Jonathan, and Colleagues,

You ask:
 > 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?

You have an interesting definition of small power generation, as not too 
many gasifiers any where visible generating in developed countries. Each 
commercial developer will have an ignition system that suits their design, 
and I would expect it to be probably adapted in house for the job.

Whether you use hot gas, hot air, electrical elements, or glow plugs, 
nothing can be mounted in the actual char that is normally the oxidation 
zone, because this is the char that the heating has to ignite. You are not 
just heating the reduction char, you are supplying heat containing oxygen, 
that will then allow the char to ignite in the oxidation zone

If you have the expertise, anything is possible if you do it yourself. But 
if you want a custom built system, then I can only refer you to our licensee 
ITI in N.Ireland, www.innovation-tech.co.uk  as they actually know what you 
need, and manufacture control systems for all sorts of specialized 
applications.

While the fully automated gasifier is possible, the cost of the components 
will determine it's practicallity. Add an engine, and it becomes a lot more 
expensive, but time will reduce costs, as modular components might adapt 
simply from other technologies.

Hope this helps.
Doug Williams,
Fluidyne Gasification.