[Gasification] Charcoal Gasification No 4.

[Paul S. Anderson]

Quoting "doug.williams" <Doug.Williams at orcon.net.nz>:

> In each case, there is only one way to light the gasifier easily, and 
> that is by suction.

I have seen a large gasifier ignited in South Africa by Gus Johansson using a
"sparkler" (the kind of long-thin fireworks on a metal wire used at some
celebrations like the USA 4th of July).  It has its own chemicals that release
the needed oxygen, so it can burn even without air flow.  It (or they, because
there might have been 2 or 3 of them) were inserted into a hole (bolt-plug
removed to insert the sparkler) in the side of the gasifier, then 
closed. Still needs draft, but I am sure it could be either by suction 
or by positive
pressure.  The System Johansson gasifiers are downdraft, but I am sure 
the same
method could ignite an updraft gasifier.

Also, you can have a similar type side hole and inject (squirt 
forcefully) some
ignitor fluid into the char.  Then via the same hole put in a flame to 
ignite. What is then needed is only air movement, either by push 
(pressure) or pull
(suction).

Doug used the word "easily", so he is aware of alternatives and has his
preferences.  But easily is a relative word, and my experience is that 
positive
pressure also works "easily."

So, if you are making a gasifier [updraft is the type being discussed, 
but maybe
also for downdraft units] and will be using positive pressure air, 
there should
not be a need to have a suction method specifically to use when igniting the
fuel.

Best wishes with everyone's work, and please inform us of your experiences.

Paul
-- 
Paul S. Anderson, Ph.D., Geography professor - Emeritus
Telephone:  USA-309-452-7072 (residence and office)
Internet site:  www.ilstu.edu/~psanders
For my gasifier stoves info, go to:
http://bioenergylists.org/contributors#Paul_Anderson



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