[Gasification] lighting gasifiers

[doug.williams]

Hi Toby,

You ask:

>  How about using a cutting torch for the starting?

The source of the flame is irrelevant, so long as it can touch the charcoal 
in the presence of MOVING air. If the ignition tube or nozzle is too long, 
and only a small bore, then only hot CO2 reaches the char which must have a 
source of air to ignite.

>I use LP for cutting gas at about 12 lbs of pressure.

I can tell you there is a danger of using pressurized gas into a gasifier, 
if the idea is to force the flame to the charcoal, as unburnt LPG can 
accumulate in the fuel hopper. If you are mucking around with separated air 
entry other than the ignition port, you will get a hopper explosion, with a 
lot more force than producer gas.

>The cutting heads can withstand some blow back and ones hand is removed to 
>the handle area.

Try first sticking the head in a pipe and see how it will put itself out 
with the backpressure of CO2 from the combusting gas, then you will see why 
it is better, and easier to ignite with suction.

>I hope to fabricate one permanently in place with an igniter or at least a 
>pipe thread port for the purpose.

LPG ignition is an option, but needs designing to be included into a moving 
air stream. We have used this type of ignition in an automated start-up 
situation, but personally I have yet to find a better flame than a bushy 
kerosene wand for easy starting, especially for small gasifiers.

Doug Williams,
Fluidyne Gasification.